the PHOENIX

Number 27 January 20 11 ISSN 0268-487X

For Arabian ornithology. Compiled and distributed by Michael Jennings, coordinator Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia

Glossy Ibis breeding on the Tihama

In July 2010 during ABBA Survey 42 to south-west Saudi Arabia,
Amar Al-Momen of the Saudi Wildlife Commission and I were on
the tihama near Sabya ( IB 11) searching for individuals of the
Syrian population ofBald Ibis Geronticus eremita that were known
to be migrating through those parts at the time. We visited some
large, previously unrecorded, effluent lagoons to the east of the
town where municipal liquid wastes were dumped at a prepared
site. Some four or Five lagoons each of about 2 ha had been formed
by earthen banks, there were also spillages and overflows creating
boggy areas. In these boggy places grassy mats had formed and
grass clumps and bushy plants had developed around the lagoons.
There were also numerous small acacia bushes sprouting up in the
wet soil although other larger trees that has been swamped by the
water had died and were left as leafless skeletons.

There were about 80 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus over-
summering in the area, some utilising the boggy areas associated
with the lagoons but they were also using pools and wetlands
throughout the region and along the W adi Dhamat. On 8 July there
was an active colony of maybe 30 pairs of Cattle Egrets Bubulcus
ibis breeding in a clump of dead acacia trees, situated on a small
island within one lagoon. The contents of nests could not be seen
but they appeared to have eggs or small young. In amongst the
Cattle Egrets were a few Glossy Ibis of which little attention was
taken until it was noticed that they had quite large young with them
(page 3). After closer scrutiny it was clear that there were two
Glossy Ibis adults attending broods, each of two large young, and
another was sitting tight on a nest that either had eggs or small
young. One brood was large enough to move around the tree, the
other brood was slightly smaller. This species is known to breed in
Iraq and Iran but this is the first record of breeding Glossy Ibis
from the Arabian Peninsula.

The Glossy Ibis is monotypic with an almost cosmopolitan

distribution breeding in southern Europe (as a summer visitor),
Africa and much of southern Asia, Australia and central and
south America. It is well known as a migrant and increasingly a
winter visitor throughout Arabia with over-summering birds also
becoming more frequent. Although over-summering has been
recorded in Bahrain, UAE, Oman Yemen and Saudi Arabia the
only previous suggestions of potential breeding status has been an
adult carrying nesting material one June in Dubai.

Michael Jennings

Long thought of as a potential breeding bird for Arabia the Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellus was found nesting with young on the tihama of south-west
Saudi Arabia in July 2010. The discovery was made during ABBA Survey 42
- whilst looking for Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita.

Sponsored and published by the
Saudi Wildlife Commission
P. O. Box 61681 Riyadh 11575
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

AJlauil jJiiSl j uflt jrfiVI

11575 61681 .v .u*

AjJ jjluJI AjjjsJ) AHaaI)

Introduction

The Atlas is published

After a wait testing the patience of most the Atlas of the Breeding
Birds of Arabia was finally published in July 2010. It appeared as
Volume 25 of the journal Fauna of Arabia which is jointly published
by the Senckenberg Institute, Frankfurt a.M. and the King Abdul
Aziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh. The final draft was
submitted for publication in March 2009 and proof changes and
updates were made until April 2010. The book is available from
Karger Libri, Basle, Switzerland. (Attention Andrea Murdoch,
a.murdoch@libri.ch; phone: +41 61 306 15 23).

I would like to mention once again that the long journey to
publication has been one of collaboration and cooperation involving
very many people. The project has benefited from the generosity of
many, including nearly 500 observers have provided records, plus
numerous artists and 1 8 authors who have made contributions to the
final work which provides details of 273 breeding species. I have
enjoyed the process and made many friends along the way, I hope
the final book was worth the wait. Details of the Atlas contents are
provided in the ‘New Books’ section, page 15.

The ABBA project continues and the database is still being added to
and ABBA Surveys and Phoenix newsletter will continue.

Habitat loss the story of our time

What is perhaps the most worrying and ongoing conservation
concern is the relentless loss of natural habitats through
development. When I first went to Ras al Khaimah (RAK) in the
northern UAE in 1969, accompanied by Effie and John Warr, we
drove on a dirt track north from Sharjah. Many villages were still of
barusti (palm frond) construction and the coast was untouched by
modern development. At Ras al Khaimah there were pristine
mangroves and nothing more than a boat pulled ashore to break the
view. No one seriously suggests such a quaint environment should
be kept in perpetuity because human progress demands development
but this should never be at the cost of a total destruction of the
natural environment. The precarious situation of the remaining
wetlands on the RAK coast are described in this issue (page 20).
Perhaps in ten years they will all be gone. Is that progress? Sadly
this story has been repeated in many parts of Arabia, mainly because
of the self interest of individuals. When I went back to RAK in 2006
I was shocked to see virtual continuous development along that
coast. Inland, north of RAK city, there were huge industrial
complexes, notably cement works with pollution of visibility, air and
coastal habitats and a continual stream of lorries taking rock to make
island cities off Dubai.

Saudi Wildlife Commission

In early 2010 the former National Commission for Wildlife
Conservation and Development (NCWCD) changed its name to the
Saudi Wildlife Commission (SWC), the office and contract
addresses remain the same. I am very pleased to report that the SWC
has agreed to continue to sponsor the ABBA project and Phoenix
now that the Atlas had been published.

Plagiarism

Amid all the praise, congratulations and positive reviews ofthe/H/as
came one accusation of plagiarism made against me because I did
not give proper reference and credit to the first publication of a
particular species breeding in Arabia. This was an omission which
I have apologised for but it does underline the problems I and the
editors had in the preparation of the Atlas concerning the proper
referencing of the text and gives me the opportunity to explain how
it came about that I missed quoting an important paper.

Originally the Editor of the Fauna of Arabia wanted full referencing
of th q Atlas text. However giving an origin for every fact, when there
were 2000 odd papers consulted and records received from several
hundred observers, would have been very difficult, space consuming
and made the text very boring to read. It was decided early on that

providing ‘pers. comm.’ and ‘in litt. ’ citations in the text (for
records on the database reported directly by observers) was
impossible in view of the number there would be of these and
quoting all the published (including grey literature sources) would
have also been very tedious. An early solution was that all
published sources would be identified at the end of each species
account by either a series of reference numbers to the bibliography
or by short citations e.g. author and year. This solution would
have doubled the space needed for the bibliography and the
numbers/citations on the species accounts might have taken up a
further 50 pages of text. Because of budget and time constraints
it was decided that the final solution would be to add only key
references to the text and only these would be shown in the final
bibliography. This process clearly missed at least one key
reference and hence caused the offence.

I have prepared a comprehensive bibliographic listing (including
grey literature) for each species of all sources consulted. This
listing is available as a PDF to those who would like it.
(ArabianBirds@dsl.pipex.com). This document will also be useful
to anyone researching individual species or groups of species in
Arabia.

t-/v

Yellow-billed Kites from Arabia

by Peter Mundy

In August 2009 I examined specimens of the Yellow-billed Kite
Milvus migrans parasitus of sub-Saharan Africa and the Eurasian
Black Kite M. m. migrans in the collection of the Natural History
Museum at Tring, England. Both these taxa are migratory in sub-
Saharan Africa. I was also interested in the ‘black kites’ that occur
in the Arabian Peninsula. The museum held 222 kites labelled as
parasitus, the Yellow-billed Kite, and aegyptius.

Ferguson-Lees & Christie (2001) had considered there to be one
species of Milvus migrans with six subspecies, of which migrans
and aegyptius occurred in Arabia. In their subsequent field guide
(Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2005), they now considered there to be
three species of ‘black kite’, encompassing seven subspecies. The
Eurasian Black Kite and their new Yellow-billed Kite M.
aegyptius (subspecies aegyptius ) were the ones in the Arabian
Peninsula. In the newly published Atlas (Jennings 2010) a third
subspecies lineatus of eastern Asia has been recorded in the field
rarely in eastern Arabia in winter.

The following notes are made from the 30 Arabian specimens I
found at Tring. Only one is labelled as aegyptius, a few as
arabicus (usually treated as a synonym of aegyptius ) while most
are not designated as to subspecies. Seven (including one nestling)
came from the Meinertzhagen collection, though perhaps not all
were actually collected by him. In view of his known fraudulent
activities (e.g. Knox 1 993), whatever is written on his labels must
be treated with great caution, if not disbelieved altogether.
However as kites were a ‘rubbish’ bird to him, and did not feature
in any of his theories, I have assumed that these seven specimens
were indeed taken in Arabia (six are labelled as from “Aden”
(KB02/LA02). He stated elsewhere that he had collected 1 1 from
Aden (MCJ pers. comm.).

Birds were collected up to altitudes of 2340m, the highest being
at Sana’a (KA07), Yemen.

From the 30 specimens - two are nestlings, seven are juveniles
with black bills and white-tipped coverts, nine are immatures
(brown/yellow bills), and 12 are adults with yellow bills. I
measured wing, tail (and fork) and bill of the specimens. I lumped
adults and immatures together for n = 21, separate from n = 7
juveniles. In all comparisons, except with the male bill, juveniles
were significantly smaller than the older age group (Table 1), as
expected. Labelled males were smaller in bill length than females
(/-test, P < 0.01). It must of course be cautioned that these

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 2

Clockwise from top left.

Chukar Partridge Alectoris chukar adult
and juveniles Wadi Bih (WA28). See
Hajar mountains page 18. (Photo: Mike
Barth http://www.pbase.com/barty63).

Zebra Dove Geopelia striata There are
various records from Doha (RB27), Qatar
since about 2006 of this south-east Asian
exotic. It is now almost certainly an
established feral breeder - but who will be
first to report breeding evidence? (Photo:
John Thompson).

The mixed Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
and Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis colony on
dead acacia bushes at a treated effluent
lagoon near Sabya (IB11). See page 1.
(Photo Michael Jennings).

Phew, made it! The author with the Atlas
which was published in July. (Photo: John
Warr).

In autumn 2010 no less than three
Imperial Eagles Aquila heliaca with
Kazakhstan wing tags were seen in
Kuwait. (Photo: Pekka Fagel).

FAUNA of
ARABIA

VOL *"> 2010

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Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 3

specimens do not represent an actual population, and they will in any
case have shrunk (a little) during their time in the museum.
Secondly, so-called aegyptius from the Arabian Peninsula are
exactly the same size as parasitus from southern Africa, except for
female bill length, where Arabian birds are significantly longer than
those in the south. For example, for wing length southern kites
averaged 421 mm (±sd. 13.98). This contrasts with measurements
and statements by Ferguson-Lees & Christie (2001: 385). The
collector G.W. Bury who was active in Yemen provided body length
and wingspan measurements for four birds: average body length =
52.5 cm, and average wingspan = 119.1 cm. Regretfully no weights
were taken. Philby collected a near-adult Yellow-billed in January
1 937 at Wadi Ta’ashshar on the Tihama of south-west Saudi Arabia
(probably W adi T ashar IB 1 0), noting that there was a “large colony
in mangrove swamps ...” - I take this to be a roost, and if so surely
of mi grans'?

Table 1. Sizes (mm) of Arabian Yellow-billed Kites measured
at the Natural History Museum, Tring, England.

Ad/lmm

N

Average

±s.d.

Range

Wing

21

417

± 12.6

380-435

Tail

21

251

±11.8

230-270

Fork

21

43

± 9.3

23-59

Bill o"

9

23.7

± 0.93

22-25

Bill?

5

25.9

± 0.96

24.4-26.8

Juvenile

Wing

7

403

± 17.2

374-421

Tail

7

230

± 16.3

217-262

Fork

7

22

± 10.8

10-43

Bill

6

23.2

± 0.74

22.1-24.3

Specimens in a museum are ‘folded up’, bare parts may fade or even
change colour, and eyes are absent. Otherwise, the adult specimens
of aegyptius from Arabia had the same colour schemes as did
parasitus from southern Africa. That is: yellow bill and cere, brown
and slightly streaked head, plain dark brown upper coverts, and very
rufous below; also an equally deeply forked tail. There is in fact
more to it than that (PJM in prep.), but ornithologists in Arabia need
not fear a name change, as aegyptius (Gmelin, 1 788) has precedence
over parasitus (Daudin, 1 800)! My key point here, however, is that
I believe that adult aegyptius always has a yellow bill, not one that
“varies individually from yellow to blackish” (Ferguson-Lees &
Christie 200 1 : 385, quoting Vaurie).

Tring also has an egg collection. Details of the kite eggs (often
labelled as aegyptius and/or arabicus ) were kindly given to me by
Mike Jennings. All clutches were collected at or near Sheikh
Othman, Aden, being three c/1 and seven c/2. Six nesting trees were
stated as Date Palms Phoenix dactylifera, with two heights of 4.6 m
and 7.7 m (written on the labels as 15 ft and 25 ft). Curiously,
collection dates for the eggs are very spread out: November 2,
February 5, March 2, April 1 . One “fresh” c/2 was collected on 28
November, and two “fresh” c/2 were taken on 13 and 17 February.
The testes of an adult male Yellow-billed collected by Philby and
Bates at Jeddah (FA 19) on 30 March 1934 were “nearly an inch
long”. This is breeding condition.

A nestling was collected by Philby at Khaibah al Junub (IB 14),
upper Wadi Tathlith, on 3 1 May 1936. Its wing length was364 mm,
and tail 209 mm. I estimate its hatching date as at least 40 days
earlier, and with an incubation period of 38 days, therefore egg-
laying was in early to mid-March. (Estimates are taken from Jones
1990). Another nestling was collected at Aden on 12 May 1922
(Meinertzhagen collection). Its wing length was 234 mm, indicating

a hatching date of perhaps a month before, viz. 12 April, and egg-
laying is estimated at very early March, even late February.

On 10 May 1922 a black-billed bird was collected at Lahej (KB03),
near Aden (Meinertzhagen collection); with its white-tipped and
pointed coverts this is a juvenile. The collector noted that the
“parents aegyptius type but with black bills”. The specimen had a
frayed tail indicating some wear (and therefore age since fledging),
and in my estimation this is rather a group of three juveniles and not
two parents with uniquely black bills.

The so-called Black Kite in Arabia should be examined closely, and
it would be helpful to have photographs of flying birds, dorsal and
ventral, adult and juvenile, in the manner of Forsman (1999 : 72-76).
A photograph allows one to examine the bird subsequently for
moult, which may well have slipped by the observer in the first
place. Black-billed kites need special attention: are they juvenile
aegyptius , migrans on migration to Africa and back, or even perhaps
an errant lineatusl Black Kites are known to cross the Bab-el-
Mandab strait (e.g. Welch et al. 1992); are they all migrans ?
Yellow-billed Kites are said to be “resident” in parts of Arabia
(Jennings 2010), but Yellow-billed Kites in Africa are nowhere fully
resident throughout the year wherever counts have been attempted
(e.g. [Aspinwall] 1982). Is aegyptius in Arabia truly a resident?

Acknowledgements

I thank Mike Jennings for information on live kites in Arabia, and
Robert Prys-Jones for permission to examine dead kites in Tring.

References: • [Aspinwall, D.R.]. 1982. Comments on Yellow-
billed Kite. Zambia Ornithological Society Newsletter 12:1 04-107.
0 Brown, L.H., Urban, E.K. & Newman, K. 1982. The birds of
Africa, vol. 1. Academic Press, London. 0 Ferguson-Lees, J. &
Christie, D.A. 2001. Raptors of the world. Christopher Helm,
London. 0 Ferguson-Lees, J. & Christie, D. 2005. Raptors of the
world. A field guide. Christopher Helm, London. 0 Forsman, D.

1 999. The raptors of Europe and the Middle East. T & AD Poyser,
London. 0 Jennings, M.C. 2010. Atlas of the breeding birds of
Arabia. Fauna of Arabia, vol. 25. Senckenberg Institute and King
Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Frankfurt-am-Main and
Riyadh. 0 Jones, C. 1990. Notes on the breeding biology and
behaviour of the Black Kite Milvus migrans. Gabar 5 : 5-13. 0
Knox, A.G. 1993. Richard Meinertzhagen - a case of fraud
examined. Ibis 135: 320-325. 0Welch, G.R., Welch, H.J. &
Laurent, A. 1992. Djibouti III. Migrant raptor count. Minsmere
Reserve, Saxmundham, England.

Peter J. Mundy, Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife
Management, NUST, P.O. Box AC 939. Ascot. Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
(mundy@gatorzw.co.uk).

UAE Crab Plover goes to Aldabra,
Seychelles

By Salim Javed, Shahid Khan, Junid Nazeer, Shakeel Ahmed,
Abdullah Hammadi

An adult breeding Crab Plover Dramas ardeola was satellite tracked
from the UAE to Aldabra, Seychelles in 2008. The bird was tagged
at Abu Al Abyad island (TB25) in Abu Dhabi Emirate which
supports bulk of the UAE breeding population. It is probably the
first satellite tracking of a Crab Plover and first documented
evidence of a post-breeding migration of the species.

T o understand post-breeding movement and dispersal patterns, three
adult breeding Crab Plovers were tagged from the two breeding
colonies in the UAE between May and June 2008. Of the three birds,
only one bird moved out of the UAE, another moved to Khor Al
Beidah in Umm Al Qaiwain (VB28), an IBA which supports good
numbers of Crab Plovers during pre-breeding and post-breeding
periods. Transmission was lost from the third bird shortly after
release.

All birds were fitted with a solar powered 9.5 gram PTT,
manufactured by Microwave Telemetry Inc. The tagged bird started

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 4

its movement out of UAE on 1 8 November 2008 and then locations
were obtained on the northern coast of Somalia, close to Caluula, 20
November. The next set of locations were obtained from north of
Aldabra, Seychelles, 23 November. The bird moved further towards
Aldabra over next two days, from where the last few locations were
received on 25 November. Unfortunately transmission was lost soon
after it arrived on Aldabra island so we could not track the return
migration.

The Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi has been monitoring the
species in the UAE, particularly at the active breeding colonies in
Abu Dhabi Emirate. As a result of the regular monitoring of Crab
Plovers, a new colony was discovered in the 2004 breeding season
on Abu A1 Abyad Island. Crab Plovers are unique among all the
waders due to their nesting in burrows and laying a single white egg.
They are also a relatively little known colonial nesting species. They
breed during the summer months and start arriving at their breeding
sites in the UAE from late April and stay until August when the
chicks fledge.

Given that the movement and migration of this important breeding
species were unknown our satellite tracking efforts provided first
ever documentation of post-breeding movement of the species to
Seychelles. It is quite likely that these birds go further south to
Madagascar and spend the winter there before returning back to their
breeding colonies.

Salim Javed (sjaved@ead.ae), Shahid Khan, Junid Nazeer, Shakeel
Ahmed, Abdullah Hammadi, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, PO
Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Asian Raptor Movements tracked
by satellite

by Bernd-U. Meyburg & Christiane Meyburg

The following notes are compiled from separate notes published
recently by the authors.

Lesser Spotted Eagle at Bab al Mandab

For the first time since 1992, when we started satellite tracking
Lesser Spotted Eagles Aquila pomarina, a one-year-old Ukrainian
bird crossed into Africa from the Bab-el-Mandab at the southern
end of the Red Sea on 9 October 2010. We had fitted this young
eagle in July 2009 with a GPS-PTT (94739). It spent its first winter
in Tanzania and migrated back to Ukraine in spring, via the
Caucasus mountains, east of the Black Sea. It migrated south again
in autumn 2010 on almost the same route, initially passing through
eastern Syria, but then passed into Saudi Arabia and followed the
well-known route of Steppe Eagles A. nipalensis along the eastern
coast of the Red Sea, where we had tracked Steppe Eagle for many
years, and arrived at the bottleneck of Bab-el-Mandab in Yemen. It
crossed after waiting for two days for a tail wind.

We would be interested to learn of any other records of the species
crossing Bab-el-Mandab in spring or autumn. This spring a young
one went there on the African side but did not cross. Another
one-year-old Lesser Spotted Eagle, which we had also fitted with a
GPS-PTT (94743) last year, crossed the Gulf of Suez 8 October
after going back and forth many times on the Sinai peninsula since
27 September. It crossed the gulf about half way between Suez and
the southern tip of the peninsula. We had an adult doing this before
but this is the first immature to do so. We discover new routes and
migration behaviours all the time even though we have now tracked
almost 1 00 Lesser Spotted Eagles but it is mostly young eagles that
are eccentric.

Editors Comment: Lesser Spotted Eagles are very scarce everywhere in the
Arabian Peninsula. This one was the first marked bird confirmed to visit
Arabia. Sherif Baha el Din has commented: “I managed to identify one certain
LSE out of 1 8,000 birds of prey recorded during a few days in October 2009 in
the vicinity of Bab El Mandab, so they are certainly rare there. In spring 2010
there were almost no soaring birds migrating from Africa into Asia across Bab
El Mandab, at least during the days I was there, only a few harriers and a
couple of Booted Eagles Hieraaetus pennatus".

Migration Strategies of Steppe Eagles

Sixteen Steppe Eagles Aquila nipalensis were trapped on migration
and in their winter quarters and fitted with satellite transmitters, 15
of them in Saudi Arabia and one in South Africa. In Saudi Arabia
the project was conducted by the National W ildlife Research Centre
at Taif. Birds were tracked for more than a year and for a distance
of up to 17,100 km. A total of 3,734 location fixes received were
used in this study (Meyburg, & Meyburg, 20 1 0a) . One adult female
was observed in its breeding area in Kazakhstan eight months after
being tagged. Its nest contained two feathered young, thus providing
reassuring evidence that the satellite transmitter was no hindrance to
reproduction. In addition to observations of Steppe Eagles in Saudi
Arabia, observations of the birds on passage and wintering were
made in Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa, India and Israel. Adult
birds wintering in Arabia, closer to their breeding areas, are clearly
able to remain there for over four months, twice as long as those
wintering further away in Africa. Immature Steppe Eagles spend
even more time, some six months, in their winter quarters, .

For seven of the birds the duration of homeward migration varied
between 28 and 54 days (mean 40 days). The longest time, almost
eight weeks (29 January - 24 March) was taken by adult female
20644 from Botswana, closely followed by adult male 22693 from
South Africa taking seven weeks in total (Between 2 January and 3 1
March). The latter interrupted its spring migration for around 5'A
weeks in the Sudan, but this period is excluded from the above
figure.

We calculated the minimum distances covered by the birds we
tracked from their wintering grounds to their breeding areas. For the
seven individuals whose spring migration was fully plotted, these
ranged between 3,489 and 9,738 km. The average daily flight
distances varied considerably for each individual bird and also
between one bird and another. For those birds wintering in Southern
Africa average daily distance was close to 200 km, and only slightly
more than half of this figure for those wintering in Arabia. The
longest average daily flight distance for all tracked individuals was
around 355 km. All eagles that could be tracked back to their
breeding areas in spring spent the summer in Russia and Kazakhstan,
just east of Lake Aral (63°16'E). (Two adults, possibly originated
from eastern Kazakhstan or even western Mongolia as indicated by
the direction of the first part of their homeward tracking until contact
was lost).

Imperial Eagles from Saudi Arabia to Asia

Four adult males, two adult females and two immature Imperial
Eagles A. heliaca were trapped by NWRC staff near Taif in Saudi
Arabia while wintering and were fitted with satellite transmitters. Six
eagles were tracked to their summer home ranges and in most cases
back again to Arabia. Four birds migrated to Russia in spring, one
to Kazakhstan and one to China (Meyburg, & Meyburg, 2010b).
The distances between the summer home ranges and the wintering
areas ranged between 3,900 and 5,000 km. At least two birds were
shot on the Arabian Peninsula. One four year old female with PTT
23671, still in immature plumage, was much heavier than any
previously known individual of this species. Its home range in the
summer was in Xinjiang Province in north-western China close to
the borders with Mongolia and Kazakhstan. It had the longest
migration route of all the eagles tracked, over 5,000 km, and in the
most east-westerly direction. After its second tracked wintering in
Arabia it again took the same route towards China, but contact was
lost shortly before it was presumed to have arrived there for the
second time. One male, caught in March, was found breeding in
Bashkiriya (Russia) at 55°57', north-west of the Ural Mountains at
the northernmost perimeter of the known breeding range in
European Russia. The bird was caught a second time in the wintering
area in November wearing the transmitter which was still
functioning. In January two years later it was caught for the third
time, but the PTT had been lost or removed.

Amur Falcons from India to Somalia

With our South African colleagues we have been tracking Amur
Falcons Falco amurensis across the Indian Ocean on autumn
migration. In spring 2010 we tracked a group of several adults from

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 5

South Africa to NE-China. They crossed the Indian Ocean on the
outward leg from Somalia to India.

In autumn one flying south to Nagpur and Mumbai turned right to
cross the Indian Ocean, on an almost straight line some 350 km
south of the spring heading, to reach the Horn of Africa. The ocean
passage had a distance of over 2500 km which were covered in two
days of non-stop flight. The bird then immediately continued its
migration parallel to the coast, it had almost reached the border of
Kenya and Tanzania by mid November and by the end ofNovember
was in Zimbabwe just about to enter South Africa. In late November
others left the vicinity of Mumbai and flew more or less the same
route across the northern Indian Ocean making landfall between
Somaliland and south of Socotra, again these birds continued,
without stopping, towards east Africa.

References: # Meyburg, B.-U. & C. Meyburg 2010a. Migration
strategies of 16 Steppe Eagles, Aquila nipalensis tracked by
satellite. 6th International Conference on Asian Raptors.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 23-27 June 20 1 0 (Poster). #Meyburg, B.-U.
& C. Meyburg 2010b. Satellite tracking of Imperial Eagles Aquila
heliaca. 6th International Conference on Asian Raptors.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 23-27 June 2010 (Poster).

Bernd-U. Meyburg & Christiane Meyburg, BUMeyburg@aol.com
www.Raptor-Research.de & WWGBP@aol.com.

The first record of White Crowned Wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga from Tiran
island (AB32) northern Red Sea (18 July 2002) was reported by Francesco
Germi.

Turkish Flamingos in the UAE

One of the results of bird ringing and marking programmes has been
the realisation that bird movements can be much more complex than
populations moving regularly between winter and breeding quarters.
With Greater Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus seasonal movements
are probably more complex than for most birds. It is now well
known that the all the flamingos around the Mediterranean, in the
Middle East and central Asia, down to north-west India are one meta
population. There is a considerable amount of exchange of birds
between breeding sites within this whole area. However there has
been little evidence of an exchange of Mediterranean birds with
Arabia. Recently a demonstrable link between the Mediterranean
population and Arabian Gulf was confirmed by records of two
Turkish bred birds in the southern Arabian Gulf.

On 16 October 2007 I saw one at a feeding site at Ras al Khor
Wildlife Sanctuary (VA27), Dubai, UAE, it had a large plastic ring
above the ‘knee’, T / FBL. It had been ringed on 29 July that year
at the Gediz Delta, near Izmir, western T urkey. I saw this bird at the
same site the next month, then on 1 7 January 2008, 23 August 2009
and 28 April 20 1 0. It is quite possible, given the date distribution of
these records, that the individual could have travelled far from Dubai
or Arabia in the period between observations.

A second Turkish bird, T/ HST was first seen at the same site on 3
November 20 1 0. It has been present since that date. It was ringed at
the same Gediz Delta colony, as a chick on 16 August 2009.

Kevin P. C. Hyland, Wildlife Protection Office, P.O. Box 27942,
Dubai, UAE.

South-west Saudi Arabia 4-23 July 2010:
ABBA Survey 42

In July, Amar Al-Momen and Jabr Haresi of SWC Riyadh and
myself, visited the highlands of the Asir Province, notably the Jebal
Souda region (3000 m) and the Al Raydah escarpment, on its
western side (IA1 3). One of the main objectives of this survey was
to compare bird numbers and diversity and habitats with those noted
in 1987 during ABBA Survey 4 to the same area (Jennings, Al
Salama and Felemban, 1988). This is an important region of Saudi
Arabia as all Arabian endemics (except the Arabian Accentor
Prunella fagani) occur here, as well as the Asir Magpie Pica pica
asirensis which is unique to this region. In the course of the survey
two issues arose which diverted the team’s efforts to other areas.
Firstly some time was spend on the tihama (coastal lowlands)
seeking satellite tagged Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita from Syria
which were transiting the area at the time and secondly we carried
out a quick assessment of Asir Magpie numbers in the region.

A full report of the survey (Jennings, Al-Momen & Haresi. 20 1 0),
is being prepared and will be available to collaborators and
subscribers to Phoenix in due course, details from
ArabianBirds@dsl.pipex.com. Some preliminary results follow.

Census results of highland birds

A number of walked transect censuses were carried out in the
highlands and the results were compared with similar transects using
the same methodology carried out in the same areas in July 1987.
The results showed a significant decrease in bird numbers between
the two years and there was a significant decrease in average species
diversity found in each transect. However there was no overall
decrease in diversity noted, taking into account all observations
during the three weeks of the survey. Interpreting why this decrease
occurred is not straightforward. It is a fact that there has been
considerable recreational, tourist and other development in the Jebal
Souda area of the highlands since 1 987 and disturbance of or loss of
habitat might be one cause. However some changes like the partial
abandonment of small scale agriculture has probably been beneficial
to birds. It may be that there has been a regional change of
temperatures and rainfall which has made this part of the highlands
more marginal habitat for some species but it is not possible to
confirm this because of lack of data. Wider climate change is
certainly a possibility and the die back of junipers at the lowest
altitudes of its range was notable. Or it may be that the rainfall
during the two study years had varied greatly causing local
population fluctuations. A lot more study is needed in the region to
try to understand what is going on.

Asir Magpie distribution and numbers

By 17 July no examples of the Asir Magpie had been recorded on
Jebal Souda, the Raydah Escarpment, at the Al Jarrah reserve (IB 13)
or on short visits to Jebal Aswad or Jebal Gaha (IB 12). This was a
cause for concern as Jebal Souda/Raydah were previously regarded
as stronghold areas for the taxon.

On 1 9 July a trip was made northwards to T anumah (IA 14) and An
Numas (IA15) where the species has been recorded on numerous
occasions before. It was not an ideal day for a quick survey of this
nature as there were strong winds and low cloud throughout, the
team also lacked precise location details from previous observations.
No magpies were seen at these locations but a pair of adults and four
juveniles were observed a few kilometres north of the town of
Balahmah (IA14) near the village of Al Azah (2606 m). The
juveniles were mostly able to fend for themselves but at least two
food-begged adults. The habitat of the area was one of rather open

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 6

hillsides with scattered juniper trees and terraced fields. The family
were feeding mainly at a manure heap beside a small farm which had
goats, sheep and chickens. The site appeared to be attracting insects
and it seemed likely there was also plenty of grain around. They
were quite shy and could not be approached within about 40 m and,
typical of this subspecies when in a family group, they were very
vocal, calling regularly presumably to help keep the group together.

The isolated Jebal Gaha has also previously been reported as a
stronghold site for this species (Yahya & Salamah, 1996; Jennings,
2010). A short visit on 16 July was abandoned because low cloud
offered nil visibility. However local people on the nearby Jebal
Aswad had advised they had heard the Magpie there ‘recently’. On
21 July the team returned to Jebal Gaha and spent several hours
searching the plateau at 1 900 - 2000 m and camped the night. W ith
the help of local people the team were taken to a site on the lip of the
plateau where the species had been seen recently. We found a pair
there at 1850-1950 m. The habitat was a cliff edge to the sandstone
plateau, an area of mainly dead juniper trees. The birds appeared to
prefer the places with heavy shade such as Ficus and other leafy
trees in gullies just below the plateau lip. There were also small
cultivated plots here. The Magpies were very shy but not especially
vocal. They could not be approached within 100 m. What appeared
to be old nests of this species were seen on several occasions, mainly
situated in dead juniper trees. One was heard early morning the next
day in the same area.

On 23 July a report was received from Mohadi Asiri that he had seen
three Magpies that morning at Sharma village in the Tale 'a valley on
the Souda plateau area (approx 2600 m). Also since the end of the
survey Prof. Brendan Kavanagh has reported that in September
whilst he was conducting a bird ringing demonstration for the SWC
personnel at the Raydah escarpment protected area he saw a M agpie
on the radio antennae at the reserve entrance (2795 m).

The results of this short Magpie survey with records of small
numbers from four widely separated locations presents a picture of
a taxon in decline. It is certainly much less numerous than in
previous years and probably the estimate of total world population
of 135 pairs contained in Jennings, 2010, may actually be on the
high side. As this taxon is only found in Saudi Arabia it appears
important that the present day range and numbers should be
reviewed by a better structured and more focussed study and it is has
been recommended that the SWC should take steps to put such a
survey in hand in the near future.

Interesting Tihama records

The various visits to the tihama yielded some very interesting
records. The Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris is a scarce
and range restricted species in Saudi Arabia; up to four adults were
present on several occasions near Shuqayri (IB I 1 ), a site where the
species has not previously been recorded. The first Saudi Arabia
record of a Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala was had in
Wadi Dhamat ( IB 11) on 12 July. This species is gradually
expanding its range in south-west Arabia having colonised Arabia
from Africa. The first Arabian breeding of Glossy Ibis Plegadis
falcinellus was confirmed near Sabya (SB 1 1 ) (see page 1 ). Another
first record for Saudi Arabia was the Painted Snipe Rostratula
benghalensis at the same lagoons as the breeding Glossy Ibis. No
less than eight were present and these numbers suggest that breeding
at the site is at least possible. The Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator
jacobinus, is usually thought of as a breeding summer visitor to the
foothills of south-west Arabia. The species was seen twice in
lowland agricultural areas on the tihama, on one occasion associated
with a RiippelTs Weaver Ploceus galbula colony, although it is not
recorded as parasitising that species in Africa. The Black-shouldered
Kite Elanus caeruleus which is very scarce in south-west Saudi
Arabia, was seen on one occasion over irrigated fields. Another
rarely reported bird in extreme south-west Saudi Arabia, but perhaps
overlooked, is the Singing Bush Lark Mirafra cautillans, small
numbers were seen and heard singing in sugar cane fields bunded
by earth banks. The Common Myna Acridotheres tristis is an exotic
species known from many places in Arabia, it was found commonly
and for the first time in the Sabya region.

Bald Ibis search

The team received reports of the transit of at least one satellite
tagged Bald Ibis through south-west Saudi Arabia during the survey
and promptly travelled to the Sabya area to look for it and if possible
to gather information about habitat usage and possible threats at its
migration stopover sites. Searches were concentrated, over three
days, near coordinates provided by Birdlife Middle East (Jordan)
and the RSPB UK from recent satellite transmissions but were
fruitless. The subsequent dedicated Bald Ibis search team, led
initially by Mohamed Al-Salamah of SWC and visiting
ornithologists from Syria, was successful in locating an adult on 14
July at a site near Sabya and then two adults were found two days
later in the same area and they also found a juvenile near Shuqaiq
(IA 1 2) on 2 1 July. On 1 9 July a dead immature bird was brought to
the rangers camp of the Raydah protected area. It had been found
emaciated and dying on 1 7 July by the army near A1 Birk (HB 1 3 ).
It carried a satellite transmitter (No 94586) and was ringed (BTO
ring No 1 9593 1 ). It appears to have starved to death. It was a bird
that had hatched this year in Syria. Its two brood companions and
two reintroduced Turkish birds were also thought to be in the
vicinity of A1 Birk and Shuqaiq.

The habitat that the Bald Ibises were using near Sabya was a fertile
region of agriculture, mainly growing sugarcane and sorghum in
small fields (2-6 ha.) bunded by high banks of sand/clay. They were
also using the lusher and more varied vegetation found in the bed of
the Wadi Dhamat (100-300 m wide). It was relevant that good
numbers of Glossy Ibis and Abdim’s Storks Ciconia abdimii were
present in the area and the latter were nesting on pylons in some of
the villages. These birds were clearly not molested by the local
people and there was no evidence found of hunting or other
persecution in the area.

Tool use by Tristram's Starling?

A miscellaneous record of interest is that during a cable car ride
down part of the western escarpment (2877 m to 1 739 m ) of Jebal
Souda, a Tristram's Starling Onychognathus tristramii was seen
hovering under a cable car passing us on the way up. After a couple
of seconds it attached itself to the underside hanging upside down
and stayed there as the cable car rose up. It travelled at least 200 m
vertically whilst in view but was lost from sight because of the hazy
atmosphere. It seems this bird deliberately hitched a vertical ride,
perhaps all the way to the summit where a concentration of
recreational and refreshment facilities would have provided rich
pickings for this species which often scavenges around human sites.

Odd calls of Eurasian Collared Dove and African
Collared Dove

The Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto continues its
colonisation of Arabia, but its progress in the south-west highlands
is slow. It is still not in the Asir highlands at Jebal Souda or near
Abha ( IB 1 3 ). It was found not far north in (IBM) where at 1770 m
in rather arid granite hills and acacia strewn plains it was common.
Also present at the same site were African Collared Doves S.
roseogrisea a breeding summer visitor to those parts. Although some
individuals of both species were singing normally at least one
Eurasian Collared Dove was calling in a very slow almost
unrecognisable form and at least one African Collared Dove's call
was also slow with an extra 'oo' syllable at the end of the call. The
significance of this observation, and previous similar observations
where the species have shared the same habitat, is not clear. One
could speculate that they were hybrids or even individuals
influenced or confused by the other species in the same habitat.

References: • Jennings, M. C. 2010. Atlas of the Breeding Birds
of Arabia, Fauna of Arabia 25. • Jennings, M. C., A. R. H.
Al-Momen and J. S. Y. Haresi. 2010. The birds of the highlands of
south-west Saudi Arabia and adjacent parts of the Tihama: July
2010 (ABBA Survey 42). SWC Riyadh Report. # Jennings, M. C.,
M. I. A1 Salama & H. S. Felemban. 1988. Report on an
ornithological survey of the Asir National Park. Saudi Arabia 29
June to 18 July 1987. NCWCD, Riyadh Report 4. pp 76. • Yahya,
H. S. A. & M. Salamah. 1996. The Asir Magpie: Results of recent
field surveys. Phoenix 13:13-14.

Michael Jennings

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 7

The Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida is a widespread breeding species,
mainly in northern and eastern parts of Arabia. In 2010 the recently described
subspecies alulensis was found in mangroves at Bab al Mandab, Yemen,
southern Red Sea (page 10.)

Satellite tracked wintering and passage
Peregrines in Saudi Arabia

By A Dixon, A Sokolov, V Sokolov and N Lecomte

In June 2009. we fitted satellite transmitters (PTTs) to one male and
nine female Peregrine Falcons Falco peregrinus breeding on the
Y amal Peninsula, northern Russia, as part of a wider project to study
the migratory movements and population genetics of Peregrines in
northern Eurasia. During September 2009 all marked birds began
their autumn migration, with three of them reaching the Arabian
Peninsula. One over-wintered in Saudi Arabia, another passed
through to over-winter in Sudan and the third was probably trapped
on passage at the Red Sea. (See tracking map and photo page 12).

One adult female arrived at her wintering area near Buraydah
(JB29), Saudi Arabia on 29 September, having travelled 5,340 km
in just 18 days after departing from her breeding grounds in the
Arctic. Over the next six months she used a rather limited area of
143 km“, comparable to the summer breeding range. During this
time, our satellite location data indicated that she used an
escarpment as a perching/roosting area and hunted over nearby pivot
fields. On the 1 5 April 2010, she departed from her Arabian winter
quarters and made her journey back north to her breeding grounds.
On 3 September she set off again on her autumn migration, arriving
back at the same wintering area near Buraydah on the 1 9 September.
It is interesting to note that individual Peregrines can show fidelity
to their winter ranges. Hopefully, in early 2011 we shall be able to
get some further information on prey availability in the wintering
area and on the diet of this particular bird.

The second female, the last of our marked birds to leave Yamal in
2009, didn't leave her breeding area until the 27 September. She
eventually reached Saudi Arabia by the 9 November. Her leisurely
migration pace continued as she took six days to travel 825 km
across Saudi Arabia to reach the Red Sea coast, where she remained
for a further five days near Yanbu (EA24) before crossing the Red
Sea in this region and continuing onwards to her wintering area in
southern Sudan. Her return spring migration in May 20 1 0 may have
involved another sea crossing into Saudi Arabia or she could have
travelled along the Egyptian Red Sea coast and headed northeast
across the Sinai Peninsula. Unfortunately a gap in transmission
between the 1-13 May 2010 masked the details of her spring
migration pathway through the Middle East.

Our third female left her breeding area on 21 September 2009 and
reached the Jordan/Saudi Arabia border by the 9 October, taking a
further week to travel 650 km to the Red Sea coast. There, she spent
16-20 October at exactly the same location where our second bird
stopped temporarily before crossing the Red Sea a month later.

Signal transmission from our third female ceased suddenly on the
Red Sea coast of Saudi, with the last transmission sent 20 October.
This part of the Arabian coastline is a favourite hunting ground for
falcon trappers and we suspect that our female may have been
caught and the PTT destroyed.

The study is funded by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and
undertaken by International Wildlife Consultants Ltd with their
Russian research partners at the Institute of Plant and Animal
Ecology, Ural Division Russian Academy of Sciences. Migration
pathways of our satellite tracked Peregrine and Saker Falcons Falco
cherrug can be followed on the website of the Middle East Falcon
Research Group (www.mefrg.org).

Andrew Dixon, International Wildlife Consultants Ltd, PO Box 19,
Carmarthen, SA33 5YL, United Kingdom (falco@falcons.co.ukJ;
A leksandr Sokolov, Ecological Research Station of Institute of Plant
and Animal Ecology, Ural Division Russian Academy of Sciences,
21 Zelenaya Gorka, Labytnangi, Yamalo-Nenetski district, 629400,
Russia fsokhol@yandex.ru); Vasiliy Sokolov, Institute of Plant and
Animal Ecology, Ural Division Russian Academy of Sciences, 202
-8 Marta Street, Ekaterinburg, 620144, Russia fvsokolov@inbox.ruJ
and Nicolas Lecomte, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology,
University of Tromso, N-9037 Tromso, Norway,
fnicolas.lecomte@uit.noJ.

Counting Crab Plover Colonies

by Simon Aspinall

Crab Plovers Dromas ardeola breed in the western Indian Ocean
with published estimates of the world population, based on non-
breeding season counts, being 60000-80000 individuals (Delany &
Scott 2002). A breeding population estimate, of 20000-27000
breeding pairs, is derived or deduced from this figure, being a third
of the world population estimate. The total number of pairs at all
known colonies is, however, substantially less than half of the lower
figure. Part of the discrepancy, although the deduced estimate may
be too high, even if several unknown colonies may still exist (e.g. off
Somalia, in the Seychelles or elsewhere), is considered likely to be
due to underestimated census counts at colonies.

It is now known that Crab Plovers spend relatively little time
incubating (De Marchi et al. 2008). This species is unusual in being
a colonial nesting wader, moreover excavating underground burrows
in which to lay their single egg. Studies have shown that while egg-
turning is necessary for successful hatching, the relatively constant
ambient temperature (and humidity) in burrows is almost alone
sufficient for chick development (De Marchi et al. 2008). As a
consequence the adult or adults do not need to be in constant
attendance and at any one moment in time a proportion of birds will
be either underground, at the surface or away from the colony site.
This will be true at whatever stage of the breeding season, egg-
laying (laying was staggered over several weeks in one colony
studied in Abu Dhabi, UAE), incubation period, or the nestling
stage, when adults provision young underground for some weeks, as
well as during pre-laying courtship at the colony.

Given the above, it is now considered highly likely that the size of
the larger of the two Abu Dhabi colonies has probably been
consistently underestimated until relatively recently (see Morris
1 992, Aspinall 1 996). Counts of the number of birds emerging from
burrows following deliberate disturbance of the colony on Abu al
Abyad (TB25), after egg-laying had apparently concluded in June,
provided earlier estimates at this colony. These ‘estimates' being:
the number of birds on the surface prior to disturbance (up to 400
individuals) subtracted from the new total (maximum of 710) after
deliberate disturbance brought those birds underground to the
surface. This was undertaken several times and on each occasion
reckoned on between just 300-400 pairs (e.g. Aspinall 1996), even
though substantially more burrow entrance/exits, at least double,

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 8

could be counted post-breeding. Also, perplexingly, over 1100
adult-plumaged birds might congregate on the colony in July prior
to any young fledging (pers. obs). The latter led to the suggestion
that a proportion was non-breeders, or that the species had a
cooperative breeding system ( Asp inall 1996). Whilst not completely
ruling out either, the actual number of breeding pairs here must have
fallen between 400 and 1 100 pairs, but was certainly at least 550
pairs. Although the 2009 census here, using an unspecified
methodology, suggested 1200 occupied burrows (EAD press
release), the population has certainly not increased two or more-fold
in the past fifteen years.

Although the above comments may help narrow the gap between the
known and estimated world breeding population, as to how and
when is best to census colonies in order to monitor them with
confidence clearly requires a consistent methodology to be devised.
This would need to specify time of day (and/or tide), at what stage
in the breeding season and count unit (occupied burrow, individual
or specified other unit). Unfortunately accurate census of occupied
burrows generally requires an elevated vantage point/s or aerial
(plan) view of the colony, something only rarely likely to be the
case. Laying out a grid prior to the breeding season may be practical
in some colonies.

While head counts of a minimum number of young fledging to give
a measure of breeding success/productivity are rather easier to
obtain, it would be particularly valuable if any researchers fortunate
enough to have access to a Crab Plover colony for the duration of a
breeding season could come up with a recommended census
methodology, even if only to provide at least an index, rather than
an absolute number, to permit within and between site and year
comparisons.

References: # Aspinall, S.J. 1996. Status and Conservation of the
Breeding Birds of the United Arab Emirates. Hobby Publications,
Dubai. • Delany, S. & Scott, D.A. 2002. Waterfowl Population
Estimates. Wetlands International, Global Series 12. • De Marchi,
G.,G Chiozzi, & M. Fasola. 2008. Solar incubation cuts down
parental care in a burrow nesting tropical shorebird, the Crab Plover
Dramas ardeola . Journal of Avian Biology 39:484-486. • Morris,
R.P. 1992. Observations on a colony of Crab Plovers Dromas
ardeola in Abu Dhabi. Sandgrouse 14:34-47.

Simon Aspinall, Paston, Church Lane, Cley, Norfolk, NR25 7UD.
fhudhud 1 0@gmail.com).

Notices and requests for information

Planning a birding trip to Yemen?

Your best contact is Yousef Mohageb of Arabian Ecotours he will
see to all your needs: car hire/driver, itinerary, internal flights and
accommodation. He knows all the bird sites and can cater for groups
or individuals; Tel 967 1821 120;Fax967 1326 1 34; PO Box 5420,
Sana’a, Yemen. (AET@Y.Net.Ye).

Colour ringed White Storks from Turkey

During 2010a total of 8 1 White Storks Ciconia ciconia were colour
ringed in Izmir province in western Turkey. These birds might turn
up in winter or on migration in Arabia. The birds show a blue ring
with 4 white letters (T???) which should be read from bottom to top.
Any observations should be reported to Orta? Onmu|) or Orhan Gul
at: Natural History Museum Research and Application Centre,

Aegean (Ege) University, 35 1 00 Izmir - Turkey.
( leylek@mail.ege.edu.tr ).

Lesser Kestrels ringed in Armenia

Since 2006 the Armenian Society forthe Protection of Birds/Birdlife
in Armenia (ASPB) has run a project to save the only breeding
colony of Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni in Armenia. This year
within that project we ringed 33 juveniles and 1 0 adults with colour
rings with alphanumeric and numeric codes. Rings with
alphanumeric codes have been placed on the birds' right tarsi and
those with numeric codes have been placed on their left tarsi. We
kindly ask everyone who observes or traps these birds to contact us.
Information from wintering grounds will be especially welcome.
( armbirds@yahoo.com ).

Bahrain Natural History Society Newsletter
reappears on the internet

A number of Arabian natural history and wildlife newsletters
published by societies have disappeared over the years because the
logistics and cost of editing, printing, enveloping, and posting hard
copies was often too difficult for a small group. However computers
and the internet have changed all that and soft copy newsletters are
popping up everywhere. The BNHS has resurrected its newsletter in
this way and No 1 of the soft version came out earlier in the year and
was full of interesting stuff and produced to a high standard.
( Bahrainwildl ife@gm a i I. co m ) .

Qatar Bird Club

The first newsletter of this group was produced early in 2010 and
there have since been three more. It is a well produced and newsy
publication. Lots of high quality local photos, plans for local birding
trips, and recent observations etc. (Qatarbirdproject@gmail.com).

Ringed and marked birds in Arabia

The ABBA project keeps a file on the movement of marked birds
from, to and within Arabia. It would be appreciated if observers or
readers who know of such birds should report information on ring
numbers, satellite tagging and wing tags, to the ABBA project
(Arabianbirds@dsl.pipex.com).

Arabian Bird Calendar from the Eriksens

The Arabian Bird Calendar for 2011 is available from Hanne and
Jens Eriksen at the price of £5 (plus postage). Go to their website:
www.BirdsOman.com for details.

Night Heron and Purple Heron breed for
the first time in Qatar

One of the most exciting developments following the establishment
of large wetlands and reedbeds in Arabia, which have then become
stocked with fish, is that large piscivorus species quickly utilise the
sites and breed. In Qatar in 2010 two new species of heron were
confirmed to breed.

The Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax is known as a migrant and
winter visitor to Qatar, sometimes in very large numbers, and in
recent years it has over-summered. Although long suspected as a
breeding bird it was not until 2010 year that it was confirmed to
breed. On 2 July at Abu Nakhla ponds (RA27) in central Qatar,
John Thompson managed to photograph very young birds, clearly
unable to fly, which were scrambling around in reeds near a
suspected nest. It is not known how many pairs bred at the reedbeds
of this site but scores of birds have been seen at the site, previously

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 9

including juveniles, in various stages of development. There may be
a long breeding season as adults were still carrying nest material
about the site in early August. (Photo page 22).

The Purple Heron Ardea purpurea is a relatively common migrant
and visitor to Qatar and has over-summered, especially at the Abu
Nakhla ponds, and has been suspected as breeding at that site. At
about 07.00 hrs on 25 June this year, Gavin Farnell sighted a nest of
a Purple Heron hidden in reeds there. The nest which was attended
by an adult was placed about 2 m above water level and contained
three chicks. Shortly afterwards having been directed by GF, JT,
Eric Tull and Brooke Clibbon visited the site and saw at least two
chicks and an adult. JT photographed two young. It was very windy
that day and in the afternoon GF revisited the site but could not
relocate the nest or the chicks and thought it possible that the nest
may have been blown down. At dawn the next day JT revisited the
area and found what he thought was a second nest, once again well
hidden in the reeds, it also comprised an adult with three young. JT
considered it a second nest because the chicks looked smaller than
the ones he had photographed the previous day and the nest seemed
to be in a different location. (Photo page 22).

This note was compiled from information supplied by Jamie
Buchan, Gavin Farnell, Gordon Saunders and John Thompson .

The Last records to get in the Atlas

It is an old publishing adage that the best stuff always turns up just
as you are about to publish. The editorial staff of the Fauna of
Arabia were increasingly exasperated that new breeding records
were coming in thick and fast just as the final touches were being
made to the Atlas before printing. It is a relief that no new breeding
species were found in the year leading up to publication as that
would have caused major problems in the text. One new breeding
species was found immediately after publication (Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellus - see page 1), proving the other publication
adage that every reference book is out of date as soon as it is
published. However several last minute records as late as April did
get in requiring text and even map amendments. These included the
first breeding of Spotted Crake Porzana porzana in the UAE (see
this page), a new Olivaceous Warbler subspecies Hippolais pallida
alulensis reported from the Bab al Mandab region (see this page),
news of Sooty Gulls Larus hemprichii breeding again on Sir Abu
Nair island (UA27), UAE, bishops Euplectes sp breeding on
Bahrain. The ‘oldest’ last record was one observer finally providing
a photo of a Bimaculated Lark’s Melanocorypha bimaculata nest he
found with young in Kuwait, 32 years earlier! This helped address
that species account.

The Somali race of the Olivaceous Warbler
identified in mangroves at Bab al Mandab

by Sherif Baha El Din.

The Olivaceous W arbler subspecies Hippolais pallida alulensis was
described from mangrove in northern Somalia by Ash et al., 2005.

I found several of this bird singing in mangrove at Bab Al Mandab
(JA02), on the southern Red Sea coast of Yemen in April 2010. I
was surprised to find the Red Sea Reed Warbler Acrocephalus
avicenniae singing, but in smaller numbers, in the same mangroves.
Both species were holding and defending territories.

I have had previous experience of this Hippolais taxon from Egypt
and have collected specimens. Identification in Yemen was made
from the short primary projection and pale greyish colour as well as
call, which was identical to Egyptian birds. It seems to me that they
represent a distinct species but the genetics only support a

subspecific level difference. Genetically it is most similar to elaeica
the eastern race of the Olivaceous Warbler. The taxon appears to be
ecologically restricted to mangroves and may be the only race of this
species breeding in Yemen. I feel sure that it will be found in all
mangrove thickets along the Red Sea coast of Y emen and into Saudi
Arabia, perhaps all the way north, as is the case in Egypt.

Reference: Ash, J. S., D. J. Pearson & S. Bensch. 2005. A new race
of Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida in Somalia. Ibis 147: 84 1 -
843.

Sherif Baha El Din, 3 Abdala El Katib St, Apt 3, 2nd Floor, Midan
Fini, Dokki, Giza, Cairo Egypt. (Sherif_baha@hotmail.com).

Breeding Spotted Crake in UAE

by Tristan J. Evans and Tom Smith

The Spotted Crake Porzana porzana is a secretive bird and is best
known in the Arabian Gulf region as a passage migrant. There are
around 125 sightings in UAE, the most recorded together is three
adults at Dubai Pivot Fields in May 2006. In recent years the species
has begun to be more prevalent during the summer months,
especially in Kuwait. Since the first Arabian breeding in Kuwait in
2001 it also bred in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia in 2007.

A fleeting glimpse of a probable Spotted Crake at some small pools
at Al Ghazel golf course (UB25), near to Abu Dhabi airport, was
had by T JE and Stephen W ilson in January 2010. On the afternoon
of 24 March we visited Al Ghazel golf course and viewed the pools
from behind the tennis courts and saw two small black chicks close
to an adult bird that could not be identified initially because it was
hidden in the edge of the reedbed. At a distance the adult looked
smaller than a Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus. To get a
closer look we walked around the pools and approached from the
other side. As we approached we viewed one chick feeding on the
edge of the reedbed and then picked up the adult about 1m into the
reedbed.

The adult was a Spotted Crake, it was smaller than a Water Rail
Rallus aquaticus with a shorter bill which was red at the base
becoming yellow at the tip. The head was brown on top continuing
down the back also with a brown stripe through the eye. The face,
down to the neck, was grey and it also had a grey supercilium. The
grey became browner into the breast which was heavily spotted and
more streaked on the belly. The back was brown, continuing from
the top of the head, and also appeared lightly streaked. The legs
were yellow. We observed the birds for around 15 minutes during
which time the adult remained within the reedbed while we viewed
it and remained at all times within a few metres of the chicks. The
chicks were completely black, including legs, apart from the bill
which appeared to be becoming feintly orange.

This is the first evidence of breeding Spotted Crake from the UAE.

T. J. Evans, I Clarkes Court, Banbury, OX16 9AE, England
(tevans@turnstoneecology.co.uk), T. Smith (tsmith@rsk.co.uk).

Recent Reports

Thanks to all those who have sent in records to the ABBA database
over the last 12 months and especially to the various recorders for
their input.

The following are a selection of some of the more interesting.

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 10

unexpected or unusual records of Arabian birds (mostly potential
breeding species) received during the last year. Records are from
2010 unless noted otherwise. Please bear in mind that not all records
here have been verified or accepted by local recorders. Notes after
the name of the observer are editorial comment and not necessarily
part of the original report. It is difficult to get the right credit and
attribution for every record, the records shown relate more to those
sending in the record and not necessarily those who might have seen
a rare occurrence first. So apologies if records could have been more
correctly attributed. Comments and corrections are always welcome,
so that the ABBA database entry can be amended when relevant and
a correction can appear in a future Phoenix issue. Some of these
records have been sent in by a third party or have been extracted
from websites and similar sources.

Correction: Spotted Crake breeding at Sabkhat al Fasl Eastern
Province

Please note that the record under ‘Recent Reports’ in Phoenix 25:20
(2009) showed a record of four adults and a juvenile at Sabkhat al
Fasl on 27 July 2008. This should have been 2007 i.e. the same year
that three chicks were seen at the site with adults on 15 June
(Phoenix 24:5). The same error got into Sandgrouse 31(1): 98
(Around the Region). These corrections mean that there has only
been one year that the species has bred at Sabkhat al Fasl and
probably only one pair. Thanks to Graham Lobley for sorting out
this mixup.

An escape Arabian Golden Sparrow Passer euchlorus was reported by Pekka
F&gel at Al Abraq al Khabari (MB35), Kuwait, 13 November 2010.

Common Quail Coturnix coturnix Present all months Arakiya
farm (RA27) Qatar and lots of juveniles also seen there (Jamie
Buchan). These are the best records indicative of breeding in Qatar.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca One Karaana (RA27),
Qatar, 1 4 June (Gordon Saunders). First recorded in Qatar in 1 984
but not since. This feral species is spreading in eastern Arabia, any
records north of Jubail or from Oman would be appreciated.

Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca Seven adults and three broods
ofducklings Abu Nakhla (RA27), Qatar, 4 June (Gordon Saunders).

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Bred again Abu Nakhla
(RA27), Qatar, with chicks 4 June (Gordon Saunders).

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Over summered at Al Wathba
(UB25), UAE (Oscar Campbell).

Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus Chicks with some down
remaining photographed Abu Nakhla (RA27), Qatar, 9 July (Gavin
Farnell).

Striated Heron Butorides striata Juveniles were seen at several
sites on the Qatar east coast in 2010 (Jamie Buchan).

Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus A nest with a small
chick, Sabuniya island (TA02), Socotra, 29 October 2009 (Niklas
Holmstrom).

Masked Booby Sula dactylatra Chicks at all stages of
development, Sabuniya island (TA02), Socotra 19 October 2009
(Niklas Flolmstrom).

Arabian Bustard Ardeotis arabs One filmed on the Tihama (JA08)
during 2009 (David Stanton).

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porpliyrio Juveniles, probably from
two broods at Abu Nakhla (RA27), Qatar (Gordon Saunders/Gavin
Farnell). One near Hamala (QA29), 23 January was the first for
Bahrain (Howard King).

Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta A pair plus young at Al
Wathba (UB25), UAE, 25 June (Oscar Campbell) and two adults
with two young at Karaanah (RA27), Qatar, 4 June (Gordon
Saunders).

Red Wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus Alarming as if breeding
Abdali farms (NB37), Kuwait (Pekka Fagel).

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Up to six including
juveniles at Mafrag waste water plant (UA25), UAE, June (Oscar
Campbell) and present all summer with display seen at Thumrait
(UA 1 2), Dhofar and fledged juveniles were present in early August,
although these were possibly migrants (Steve Tibbett).

Slender-billed Gull L arus genei An adult and an obvious juvenile,
possibly locally bred at Lawzi lake (QA29), Bahrain, 7 July
(Howard King).

Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis One ringed 27 June 2008
on Al Jarrim island (QA29), Bahrain was recovered near Mumbai,
India, December 2009 (Brendan Kavanagh). Another ringed on
Bahrain was photographed at a colony on Kubbar island (OA35),
Kuwait in 2009.

Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus Two ringed as pulli in summer
2008 on Al Jarrim island (QA29), Bahrain were recovered near
Mumbai, India in Sept and November that year.

Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus A nest with three
eggs near Mocha (JA03), Yemen, April (Sherif Baha el Din).

Bruce’s Green Pigeon Treron wa alia First ones of the year in
Sana’a (KA07), Yemen on 8 March (David Stanton).

Continued on page 14

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 11

Clockwise from top.

I

Demoiselle Cranes Anthropoides virgo at Sabah Al
Ahmad Natural Reserve (NB36), Kuwait, 20 March.
There was a remarkable influx of these birds to Kuwait
in spring, possibly because gales at the time pushed them
eastwards from their usual route through west Arabia.
The first two were seen at Doha spit on 19 March, next
day there were eight, the maximum count was 69 by
Khalid Al-Nasrallah at SAANR on 25 March. Other
groups of 27 and 42 were recorded, all in all this influx
must have consisted of hundreds of birds. Also hunters
are reported to have shot many in the north.
(Information and Photo: Pekka Fagel).

Nesting Bar-tailed Lark Ammomanes cinctura southern
Qatar (RA26). (Photo: Jamie Buchan).

Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii An Environmental
department, Abu Dhabi survey ofQarnein island (SB26)
UAE suggests 1200 breeding pairs there in 2009 (Simon
Aspinall). The species wasalsonestingonSirAbu Nair
island (UA27), UAE, 23 April (Paul Vercammen).
(Photo: Walter De Raedt).

Adult female Peregrine Falco peregrinus wearing an
1 8g solar PTT (Photo: Nicolas Lecomte).

Migration pathways of three female Peregrines breeding
at the Yamal Peninsula, Russia. Yellow pathways
represent autumn 2009 migration and red pathways the
return migration in spring 2010. Green circles are the
wintering areas in Saudi Arabia and Sudan, whilst the
red star denotes the end of transmission for one bird,
which was probably trapped, on the Red Sea coast of
Saudi Arabia (page 8).

i

!

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 12

Clockwise from top.

The Shaybah oilfield (UA22/TB22) in the easternmost part of Saudi
Arabia is characterised by high semi-stable dune systems interspersed
with flat hard subkhas of approximately equal area, page 21. (Photo:
Michael Jennings)

Winter 2010-11 had produced Eversmann’s Redstart Phoenicurus
erythronotus records in Kuwait and Bahrain by the end of November.
This rare winter visitor in the Arabian Gulf often indicates cold winters
in the north. (Photo: Pekka Fagel).

Not quite as rare as was thought a few years ago but the Sociable
Lapwing Vanellus gregarius is always a good bird to see. This one was at
the Experimental Chicken Farm, Hamala (QB29) Bahrain, 30 October
2009. Another, maybe the same bird, was reported on Al Ali farms.
There were three in Qatar in December 2010. (Photo: Adrian
Drummond-Hill).

On23AprilonSirAbuNairisIand(UA27), UAE several dead and partly
eaten Bridled Terns Sterna anaethetus were found by an EAD Abu Dhabi
team, probably the prey of feral cats. (Information from Paul
Vercammen, photo: Walter De Raedt).

Juvenile Socotra Sunbirds Chalcomitra balfouri. Peter Castell
considered these fledged birds to be about 3-4 weeks old, that is out of
the nest for about 1-2 weeks. The whole nesting cycle, from laying of the
eggs to the young birds fledging, is probably similar to most other
sunbirds (i.e. about four weeks), so the eggs would have been laid about
the third week of September. (Photo: Richard Porter).

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 13

(Recent reports: continued from page 11)

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Wadi Nacab, Rus al Jibal
(WA28), UAE, at about 1175m there were two together, a probable
pair as a male was calling (grey phase) and the other bird was a
rufous phase female, 27 February. The male had an aerial joust with
a Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis which chased it, the
cuckoo called throughout the encounter (Barbara Couldrey).

Desert Eagle Owl Bubo ascalaphus Two owlets in southern Qatar
(RA26), 26 March (Jamie Buchan).

Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba The first ones of the year in
Sana’a (KAQ7), Yemen, 8 March (David Stanton).

Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus A pair in suitable breeding habitat
(urban area with eucalyptus trees) Dammam (QA29), Eastern
Province, 7 May (Steven Crute).

Sand Martin Riparia riparia Seen entering a hole on the face of an
old quarry Bahrain, 6 June (Howard King). There have been similar
summer records in previous years - what’s going on?

Crested Lark Galerida cristata Common Sir Abu Nair island
(UA27), UAE, 23 April (Paul Vercammen).

Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus Song records
from Wathba (UB25), UAE (Oscar Campbell) and indications of
breeding at Askar (QB29), Bahrain (Brendan Kavanagh).

Common Babbler Turdoides caudata A family of three just
fledged juveniles, Abdali (NB37) Kuwait 9 April (Pekka Fagel).

House Sparrow Passer domesticus Present on Sir Abu Nair island
(UA27), UAE, 23 April (Paul Vercammen).

Riippell’s Weaver Ploceus galbula A pair and a nest on Green
Island (OA35), Kuwait, 7 April (Mike Pope).

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Singing and display flights
Wathba (UB25), UAE, 29 April, also a pair there late May and a
female 25 June (Oscar Campbell). The picture is building year by
year of uncommon breeding status in the UAE but as yet there is no
definite proof of breeding there.

Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra Song at the pivot fields
(NB35), Kuwait, January (Mike Pope) also in Qatar many heard
singing and young birds seen on farms (RA27) (Jamie Buchan).

Journals, Reports and Other Publications

The following notes list some of the papers concerning birds and
other wildlife which have appeared in journals and newsletters
relevant to the Arabian environment in recent months. Space does
not permit the full citation of each article but further information can
be obtained from the various societies and organisations shown.
Note that in addition to the main papers listed most periodicals also
include regular features such as recent reports, brief notes etc.

Zoology in the Middle East

Volume 49 (2010): This 120 page issue contains 21 contributions,
comprised of 1 3 main papers and eight short communications, with
nine and three contributions respectively on vertebrates. There are

two papers on the ornithology of the M iddle East. The first concerns
the newly discovered population of the Near Threatened, Kriiper’s
Nuthatch Sitta krueperi in a Scots Pine forest in Yozgat Province,
central Anatolia. This isolated population is calculated through GIS
techniques at 558 individuals. The other paper concerns studies in
Cyprus of the foraging behaviour of the migrant Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striata and the resident Cyprus Warbler Oenanthe
cypriaca. Both species take similar aerial prey in the same habitat.
The study looked at the variables of perch height, frequency of aerial
sallying and perch-pounce foraging methods, the foraging rate per
minute and direct encounters between the species. Two mammal
papers deal with a population of European fallow deer in Turkey,
and dolphin mass mortality incidents in Iran. There are two papers
on turtles in the Gulf. New species of planthopper and scorpion are
described. ZME has also published with this volume an 180 page
supplement on earthworm taxonomy and biology, being the papers
from the 4th International Oligochaeta Taxonomy Meeting, which
took place last year in Diyarbakir, Turkey. Volume 50 (2010): It
seems unbelievable that the ZME the ‘new’ journal on zoology of
our area should have reached a half century of issues. There is no
particular fanfare in this issue but it is another good read with lots to
interest the general and specialist reader concerned with the region.
There is only one main bird paper in this issue, but two short notes.
The main paper concerns the breeding success of Great Cormorants
at Ramsar in the Iranian part of the Caspian Sea. Mean brood size is
3.03, with a mean brood of 2.88 reaching fledging stage. The two
short papers concern the first record of Blyth’s Pipit in Turkey and
the reproductive ecology of the Eurasian Magpie in central Iran.
Papers of direct relevance to the zoology of Arabia include the shark
fauna of the Arabian Gulf, dragonflies of Socotra and honey badgers
in Saudi Arabia. The web site contains the tables of content and
abstracts of all previous issues of Zoology in the Middle East.

ZME (ISSN 0939-7140) is available on annual subscription (three
issues per year) from Kasparek Verlag Monchhofstr. 16, 69120
Heidelberg, Germany, (Kasparek@t-online.de;
www.kasparek-verlag.de).

Sandgrouse the journal of the Ornithological Society
of the Middle East

Vol 32 (2010) included papers on Gambaga Flycatcher in Yemen,
tool use by Abyssinian White-eye, Long-billed Pipit on Socotra, the
birds of Wadi Rima, Yemen (revisited 20 years after a previous
study published in Sandgrouse ), eradication of the House Crow on
Socotra and lots of new birds for Arabian states, recent reports and
taxonomic stuff.

Sandgrouse is available on subscription to OSME. Details from the
Secretary (secretary@osme.org).

New DVDs

Breeding Birds of the Western Palearctic, nests, eggs ,
nestlings fledglings and habitats by Peter Cast ell and
Richard Castell (2009)

This DVD is exactly what it says on the packet - a comprehensive
and definitive photographic record of breeding ecology. It seeks to
cover all the species of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East,
including the whole of Arabia. It includes almost 9000 images of
736 species and represents the culmination of an extremely
comprehensive programme of field work by the authors over many

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 14

years, visiting most countries from the high arctic to the Sahara. It
provides a vast array of images of breeding species in Arabia
documenting almost all of them. For most species there are several
images with an emphasis of nests, eggs and chick/juveniles but also
of habitats and other aspects of breeding ecology. One can browse
for hours through a horde of images of birds, nests and bird habitats.
A truly commendable milestone in documenting breeding biology in
the Western Palearctic and a monument to the authors’
comprehensive efforts to achieve their goal. Highly recommended.

Published by Birdguides at WWW.birdguides.com Price £74.95

Bird densities in summer in eastern parts of the Empty Quarter are extremely
low. During one 206 km driven transect in late May 2010 (ABBA Survey 41,
page 21) a single Greater Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes was the only bird
recorded.

New Books

Phoenix aims to provide details of all new publications which are
relevant to birds and wildlife in Arabia or generally to the
Arabian/Middle East environment. Titles mentioned are usually
available in good book shops in Arabia, Europe and North America.
Others are on restricted distribution or privately published and
readers wishing to obtain copies should contact the author, publisher
or distributor mentioned. When ordering through a library or agent.

and quote the ISBN or ISSN number, if given. The prices shown
against titles are published prices but may not include post and
packaging. Recommendations made about books are based on the
standard of treatment of the subject, format and quality of contents.
A recommendation does not necessarily mean good value for money.
Readers are asked to provide details of other new and relevant titles
not already mentioned in this survey.

Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia By Michael C
Jennings (2010)

The atlas is comprised of an introduction, five chapters, two
appendices, a list of references and an index. There are introductory
pages in Arabic. The introduction covers broadly the political and
geographical regions of the Arabian Peninsula and the history and
method of data collection for the project. It includes maps showing,
among other subjects, the degree of coverage during the data
collection phase, regional biases in records collected and those
squares where there are 50 or more breeding species discovered.
There is a long acknowledgements section with a list of all those
contributing records. Unfortunately a listing of the 18 coauthors
contributing species accounts was left out, as was the recommended
citation. (These are available on request should anyone wish to have
them). Chapter 1 covers the special issues which relate to Arabian
ornithology; endemism, 23 species are recognised from the Arabian
mainland, Socotra archipelago and the seas around Arabia;
nomadism among birds in the Arabian deserts and exotic species to
Arabia. The latter are a fast growing group with over 20 established
breeding species. Maps in this chapter cover the distribution of all
endemic landbirds and breeding exotics in Arabia. Chapter 2 is the
factors affecting bird distribution in Arabia. Climate and altitude;
climate change; geology and topography; vegetation; habitats and
habitat change, notably agricultural development and manmade
wetlands and zoogeographic position. This chapter has maps
showing relief, geomorphology and superficial geology, distribution
of pivot irrigation, significant wetlands, and main areas of
A fro tropical and I ndo -Malayan species in Arabia. Chapter 3 is about
bird communities and habitats. It describes 10 avifaunal regions
(mapped) and the habitats therein, typical birds and seasonal
activity for each. Chapter 4 covers conservation issues, traditional
human exploitation, the main conservation issues today, species of
global concern occurring in Arabia and particular problems they
face and a summary of actions taken and in hand with each state.
The first four chapters are illustrated with 106 colour plates, split
more or less equally between habitats and conservation subjects and
birds occurring in Arabia, particularly the endemics and special
regional birds. Almost all bird photos are by Hanne and Jens Eriksen
most of the habitat etc photos are by the author. Chapter 5 is about
breeding birds which has introductory sections on taxonomy,
breeding seasons, gaps in knowledge. Species accounts are of two
kinds, full accounts, that is confirmed breeding birds which
comprise text, maps and line drawings or a short account being the
details of the 24 species that have not yet been confirmed to breed
but are thought likely to. For the latter group there is no drawing or
map. The 273 breeding species full accounts (with contributions
from 18 authors) are divided into four main paragraph groups. The
first covers the species, including subspecies occurring in Arabia,
notes on taxonomy. For some there are short notes on
morphological features. The second paragraph group deals with
status in Arabia including population, and historical changes,
occurrence in each state and Socotra, movements and periods of

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 15

occurrence. The third paragraph deals with habitat utilisation and
ecological requirements, using only information collected in Arabia
(any information on these subjects from nearby areas is clearly
identified). The last paragraph deals with breeding issues, providing
a summary of what is known from Arabia of breeding biology and
timing, with notes on regional and seasonal variations, and details of
breeding behaviour, nests, nest position, young etc. One or two
species have more than one map showing distribution for specific
time periods but generally there is just one map, showing
distribution in the usual atlas style by use of three different sized
symbols denoting confirmed and probable breeding records and
other records. Symbols are coloured red for records prior to the atlas
starting and blue for records since 1984. A few maps have lines
separating different populations, and extra symbols showing
reintroduced birds, breeding in sheltered conditions, or arrows
indicating possible future range extensions. Species accounts
provide the English, scientific and Arabic name and are grouped
under short family summaries. Literature sources in the species
accounts are purposefully kept to the minimum, even so there are
700 or so references listed, compiled by Effie Warr, (A full listing
of all sources consulted of about 2000 titles is available on request).
The first appendix provides tabulated data on breeding birds
showing against each species the author and year, zoogeographical
assignment, estimated population, population change and degree of
coverage achieved during the project. Appendix 2 is a gazetteer of
all place mentioned (about 500) showing against each name the
country it is in, the type of feature (populated place, island, oilfield,
oasis, well, mountain etc), coordinates and the atlas square it is in.
There is an index of English and scientific bird names.

Hardback, 773 pages. The atlas appears as Volume 25 of the
ongoing journal Fauna of Arabia published jointly by the
Senckenberg Institute, Frankfurt a. M. Germany and the King
Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh and the Saudi
Wildlife Commission who have supported the ABBA project since
1987. The price from the main distributors, Karger Libri AG,
( P e t e r s gr a b e n 3 1, 4009 Basle, Switzerland,

http://www.libri.ch/agency/services/faunaofarabia.htm) is SF169,
plus postage. Some booksellers charge significantly more. ISBN
978-3-929907-83-4.

Checklist of the Birds of the United Arab Emirates by
Tommy Pedersen and Simon Aspinall (2010) -
Supplement 3 to Sandgrouse

Excluding escapes and non-breeding exotics (of which there are
many in the UAE) and half a dozen species whose wild occurrence
is suspect, there had been 441 birds recorded in the UAE up to 1
July 2010. This checklist provides details of them all, as well as the
escapes etc. The details provided for each species are English and
scientific name, a commonality category (Very common to Vagrant),
whether it is resident or a visitor (migrant/winter/breeding summer
etc) and where it occurs (regions and or habitats). For the rarer birds
more details of occurrence are provided and for vagrants the date,
place and numbers seen of all records are included. In one case 35
individual records are listed. Notes are also provided on issues
relating to status, such as lack of autumn record for migrants, known
releases etc. The main list is supported by similar details for the
‘Category D’ species (those whose wild occurrence is suspect) and
the 49 escapes, releases and exotics, including several which have
bred, in Category E. There is an appendix on those species for which

a report to the UAE recorder must be accompanied by a description
and notes. A second appendix is a gazetteer of sites. Almost every
opening is illustrated with excellent colour photos, up to five photos
to an opening.

Card covers, Sandgrouse size, 96 pages. Price £8 (including
worldwide postage) from OSME Sales, c/o The Lodge, Sandy,
Bedfordshire, England. (ISSN 0260-4736).

Breeding Birds of the United Arab Emirates by Simon
Aspinall (2010)

We all have our biases and one of mine is forming a negative
opinion about large format (32 cm X 27 cm), glossy, illustrated
books coming out of the sands before I have studied them. So often
they are the product of too much finance misdirected to a favourite
subject of a first author. This book is an exception. I look very
closely at books on birds in Arabia and my scrutiny reveals that this
update of the author's acclaimed first edition (1996) on breeding
birds in the UAE, is full of stuff I did not know. Like its ancestor it's
packed with facts but bigger and better illustrated. In a country
where development in all its forms run on at breakneck speed,
funded by the region's well known product, protecting the remaining
environments and the birds in them is of paramount importance. It
is therefore very pleasing that the book spends much space on
conservation matters. The most susceptible habitats are the coasts
and islands which are particularly assaulted by development and
reclamation but degradation of the rangeland also continues with
overgrazing, over extraction of ground water, pollution and
introduced mammalian predators, to name but a few of the problems
birds face in this part of Arabia. The conservation pages and related
appendices also detail the important bird sites of the state and
provide a legislative overview. The breeding species of conservation
priority are listed, with the Socotra Cormorant not unexpectedly at
its head. Although a large part of the world population of this little
known species breeds in the UAE, and it is numerous with about
40,000 pairs, it is nevertheless very vulnerable as its few and dense
colonies are potentially at risk from a number of threats, not only oil
pollution. A number of seabirds and raptors are also on the list as
well as local specialties such as Crab Plover, Eloubara and Collared
Kingfisher. The one time ubiquitous Brown-necked Raven is
decreasing and the Cream Coloured Courser is also now of special
concern. The main chapter provides a very competent account of
what is known of all the resident and breeding visitors to this part of
eastern Arabia, about a hundred species, out of the 450 odd known
to occur in the UAE. It includes details for all those species that are
suspected of breeding, as well as many exotics that have not yet
achieved a stable feral status. The species accounts give a summary
of world distribution and status in the UAE, including races, with
times, places and habitats of occurrence and an adjoining map
provides breeding distribution by means of blobs on a grid system,
atlas style. Many parts of the species accounts demonstrate the
author's many years experience of UAE birds and his first rate
knowledge of their needs and problems. There are good estimates of
UAE species populations (against which future workers can make
judgements), a listing of gazetted sites where the species occurs,
notes on the threats each faces and action proposed to counter the
threats. These latter elements of the species account accord with the
conservation bias evident throughout. There is plenty to introduce
the reader to the UAE and its birds, with notes on topography, and

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 16

landscape and bird sites. This small state packs in a wide variety of
habitats, it is not just sand dune as some still believe, but a land of
bird rich islands, coastal mangroves, mountains that almost reach
2000 m and the full gamut of manmade sites, such as irrigated
fodder fields, artificial forests and sewage wonderlands. An
appendix provides details of 41 bird sites and protected areas and
there is tabulated information on populations and trends and those
species where a significant part of the regional population breeds in
the UAE. Hardback with lashings of full colour photos on most
openings.

Hardback, 241 pages. Available from Mohammed Suhaj
(mhaneefa@ead.ae) Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, EAD, PO
Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, price 100 DH
(about £1 7.25p) possibly plus postage.

Female and juvenile Red Avadavats Amandava amandava were seen at the
Bustan Hotel (YB24), Muscat, 21 April 20 10 (Philip Roberts), the first breeding
record from Oman.

Birds of the Middle East (Second edition) 2010 by
Richard Porter and Simon Aspinall

Readers will remember well their excitement when getting the first
edition of this field guide in 1 996 ( Phoenix 1 3 :4-5). They can now
relive the experience, but more so, with this much improved second
edition. The first had the somewhat awkward arrangement for a field
guide with maps and illustrations for a species at one opening but the
text for the same bird elsewhere. This completely revised second

edition has the maps, text and illustration for every species at the
same opening. The change has definite advantages with much bigger
illustrations for birds and much less cramped plates but there are
also disadvantages, for example the maps need to be smaller, at 25
mm (1 inch) square compared to four times that size in the first
edition. Admittedly the previous edition was a bit generous by
fieldguide standards. Maps show the resident (present all year)
distribution, migrant breeding range and passage and winter range
in three different colours. The artwork (173 colour plates) is a
mixture of judicious cut and paste jobs of the old plates to fit the
new layout and many completely new plates. For example many of
the gulls are new and to a very high standard indeed, the terns are
also mostly new but these did not come out quite as well. To recap,
this title covers all the birds of the region from Turkey to Iran, the
whole of the Arabian Peninsula and Socotra and all in between. It
has reference to over 820 species. The standard species account
comprises the English and scientific names, size and description,
races and habits with ID clinchers in bold type. There are also notes
on voice, habitat and general notes of occurrence such as states to
which a species is vagrant. The introductory notes are short (5
pages) dealing with taxonomy and nomenclature (it broadly follows
the ‘ Howard and Moore ’ order), bird topography and the like. At the
end there are 19 pages dealing with references and further reading,
a checklist of Middle East Birds, and an index. This is the best field
guide to cover the M iddle East to date and is highly recommended,
everyone interested in Arabian birds will need to have it.

Card covers, 384 pages (140X218 mm), Price £29.99. Christopher
Helm. London (www.acblack.com) , ISBN 978-0-7 1 36-7602-0.

Common Birds of Qatar by Hanne and Jens Eriksen
and Frances Gillespie (2010)

Forty years ago you were lucky to see a new book every decade that
covered the Arabian Peninsula. How things have changed, in 2010
there are four specifically covering Arabia and another field guide
that is much concerned with Arabia. This title is not the first book
specific to the birds of Qatar but it is the best so far. On first flicking
through its pages one is reminded of some previous books from the
Eriksen stable, there are photos on almost every page and using the
same photo-collage technique with fades between images that has
done them well in Common Birds of Oman (2005) and Birds of the
A! Jabal Al Akhdar (2008). As the title suggests this is not a
comprehensive catalogue of all species occurring in Qatar, in fact it
covers just over 200 species, about two thirds of the known list. It is
a very handy introduction for those new to Qatar and birdwatchers
just starting out. The 20 odd introductory pages deal with the
arrangement of the book, colour codes for the decent sized species
maps (green, blue, red, and yellow for migrants, winter visitors,
resident and summer visitors respectively), binoculars, how to watch
and identify birds and where to watch them in Qatar. This latter
section could have been longer and given directions on finding sites.
There are some 220 pages of species accounts, usually one species
to the page, and each page illustrated with photos, sometimes three
or four in a collage, and a paragraph or two of information. There is
a data bar of occurrence through the year. The text provides details
of when and in what habitats birds can be found and some notes of
habitats and behaviour. It is arranged by three habitat types, first
‘gardens, parks and farms’ then ‘lakes, lagoons and coasts’ and
finally ‘desert and arid plains’. This might be confusing for those

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 17

who know a little about birds as it means they have to check all three
sections for large groups like larks, warblers and chats, but the
arrangement might be helpful to the beginners the book is aimed at.
Arrangement within each section is not by taxonomic order, which
could also be confusing. There are indexes of scientific and English
bird names. Recommended for birdwatching beginners in Qatar but
a useful source of Arabian bird photos for all.

Card Covers, fieldguide size, 248 pages. Sponsored by Maersk Oil
Qatar. Privately published by the authors, available from Jens &
Hanne Eriksen hj oman@ emirates. net. ae or Frances Gillespie
gillespi@qatar.net.qa. Price US$45 or QR 120. ISBN 978-9948-1 5-
747-2.

Arthropod Fauna of the IJAE (Vol 3) by Antemius Van
Harten (editor) 2010.

It seems that Volume 3 of this extremely valuable directory to the
arthropods of the UAE and eastern Arabia has come off the presses
only a few weeks after No 2 (for details of which see Phoenix
26:1 5). No 1 is reviewed in Phoenix 25. This is a phenomenal rate
of publication considering the care that goes into its production and
its not inconsiderable size and quality of production. The series has
an average of over 700 pages in each volume so far. As in the
previous volumes this one is not a systematic review of the region’s
arthropods, but it presents individual papers on orders or families
which are arranged in phylogenetic order. This issue contains 45
papers. There are two papers on Arachnids and the rest are on
insects. As might be expected, the orders Coleoptera, Hymenoptera,
Lepidoptera and Diptera are well represented (10, 12,7 and 9 papers
respectively) and this endeavour has resulted in at least 72 new
species being described for science among other taxa. As in the
previous two volumes this one is profusely illustrated with coloured
drawings, innumerable colour photographs, and technical line
drawings. There is an index.

Hardback, 700 pages (170mm X 238 mm). Price and details of
availability from the Editor at UAE Insect Project, P O Box 64799,
Sharjah, UAE. (Tonyvanharten @gmail.com). ISBN 978-9948-15-
616-1.

The Herpetological Literature for southwestern Asia -
an indexed bibliography by Alan E Leviton and
Stephen C Anderson (2010)

The authors of this work are giants in the study of Middle East
reptiles and amphibians and one can imagine that over 60 years of
their endeavours would have enabled them to compile a vast list of
source documents on the reptiles and amphibians of their region.
This extends from T urkey, Cyprus and the Red Sea in the west to the
Indian and Pakistan border including, Jammu and Kashmir, in the
east, the old Soviet Union border in the north and the Gulf of Aden
and the Socotra archipelago in the south. In addition a considerable
number of publications are included from nearby regions where they
relate to taxa in the main region of coverage and some related papers
on other disciplines which have a coincidence with herps. There are
9082 entries covering the period from 1 758 to 2009. This enormous

fisting is arranged alphabetically and numerically by author and year
of publication. The powerhouse of this work is the extremely
thorough keyword index (arranged alphabetically), this alone is 172
pages, listing the reference numbers of taxa, countries, regions and
individual sites (e.g. over 200 for Saudi Arabia and 10 for Abd el
Kuri), references to individuals (e.g. John Gasperetti), obituaries,
and a vast range of subjects relevant to the study of reptiles and
amphibians (gastropods, foraging, forests, functional morphology,
middle ear, phylogeny, to list but a few). There are 75 references to
birds. At the end there is a listing of the journals cited in the
bibliography and abbreviations. This is not an illustrated work but
there are handsome coloured plates on the front cover and three
coloured plates inside with two plates of line drawings. This is
clearly an essential tool for everyone seriously interested in research
of all aspects of the study of herpetology in Arabia and south
western Asia and is highly recommended as such.

Card cover, 280 X 215, 644 pages. Price: $32 plus shipping and
handling. (But check current price). Published as Occasional paper
No 157 of the California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park,
San Francisco, California 94118, USA. ISSN 0068-5461
(http://research.calacademy.org/scipubs; Scipubs@calacademy.org)

An Illustrated Checklist of the Flora of Qatar by John
Norton, S. A. Majid, D. Alien, M. A! Safran, B. Boer
and R. Richer (2009)

This is the first book on the flora of Qatar for nearly 30 years. It has
been prepared in conjunction with UNESCO Doha to generally
promote a greater interest in plants and the environment in the
region. Qatar is a largely arid peninsula with a hot, sunny climate
which receives only minimal and sporadic rainfall. Almost
everywhere lies below 100 m and is mostly covered in sand sheets
and calcareous rocks. Nevertheless almost 400 vascular plants are
recorded as growing in the wild in the state and of these about 270
are thought to be native. There is a description of the various
habitats in Qatar and all species are dealt with as species entries.
After the 14 introductory pages the major part of the book is given
over to the species entries which are arranged by family and for each
details are given under eight headings. These headings are scientific
name, and recent synonyms; vernacular names, English or Arabic if
they exist; growth form and flowering period; status, for example
native or introduced and the rarity status; abundance, habitat and
distribution; uses, such as cultural or economic; photos (this is a
listing of book sources where photos of each species can be found)
and Notes, where there are miscellaneous points to mention. Not all
headings apply to all species, in fact very few are detailed under all
eight headings. There are 1 10 colour photos of plants. The book is
supported by an index to families and species, a bibliography and a
list of internet resources.

This book was prepared with the support of UNESCO Doha, Maersk
Oil Qatar and the Qatar Foundation. Card covers, 1 10 pages, 240
X 170 mm, Published by Browndown Publications, Gosport, UK.
Available from the first author at http://books.jnecology.com. Cost
£8.95 (to UK addresses - includes postage) or £1 1.95 (elsewhere,
includes postage) Also available from
WWW.summerfieldbooks.com or the NHBS Environment Bookshop
www.nhbs.com.

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 18

Sites of Interest

Most issues of Phoenix provide details of individual bird sites which
can be unique or representative of regions and habitats which may
be found throughout Arabia. Some of the accounts provide an up to
date comment on the condition of habitats and others are about good
places to see birds in Arabia.

Observers are invited to write up other sites, especially those that
they have studied reasonably well, drawing special attention to the
breeding or interesting visitors that occur. A site can be as small as
a sewage pond or similar micro-site, an urban area or as large as a
whole mountain range.

A listing of the more than 60 sites covered in Phoenix issues 1-26 is
available on request.

Breeding birds of the Hajar mountains,
UAE

by Oscar Campbell

The Hajar mountain range, running the length of the UAE's east
coast, biologically connects Arabia to Iran. The mountains are
somewhat lower in the UAE than in the Omani enclave of
Musandam to the north, and become much higher and more
extensive as they bend south-eastwards into Oman. They relieve the
monotonous desert that covers much of the country and easily
represent the most diverse and interesting habitat for breeding birds.
Out of 90 regularly breeding species for the UAE, some 60 breed in
these mountains and 1 6 species are essentially restricted to them and
to the outlying massif of Jebal Hafit (VB25). The Hajar range also
holds many species of plants and invertebrates that occur nowhere
else in the country, making a visit there a naturalist's delight.

Several large highways, minor roads and numerous graded tracks
bisect the mountains, allowing easy access to most of the best areas.
Sites such as Wadi Bih, WA28 ( Phoenix 23:20) in the far north,
Masafi ( Phoenix 5:7) and the Huwaylat Road (both WA27), which
skirts the Omani border between Hatta and Kalba (WA27) on the
southernmost edge of UAE territory, are well known to local
birdwatchers. However, almost anywhere in the mountains can
provide good birding, including the Masafi to Dibba road and the
many wadis inland from the coastal towns of Khor Fakkan and
Fujairah (WA27). These include Wadi Wurayah, a recently declared
Mountain Protected Area near Khor Fakkan ( Phoenix 26: 6). Other
than this, the area has no formal protection, although, due to the
terrain, habitat destruction is not nearly as all-embracing here as it
is in much of the coastal districts of the UAE. One region, the
Masafi-Tayyibah district, has been nominated for IBA designation.
Finally, Wamm Farms (WA28), a large commercial diary farm in
Dibba is a food-rich and easily accessible site used by many Hajar
breeders in autumn and winter. Indeed, certain species, such as
Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis and House Bunting Emberiza
striolata , are easier to find here than in the nearby hills.

By far the best time to sample the Hajar avifauna is early spring,
when temperatures are comfortable enough to camp, hillsides can
still be relatively green and breeding birds are active. Species such
as Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis, Desert Lark Ammomanes
deserti, Hume's Wheatear Oenanthe albonigra, Purple Sunbird
Cinnyris asiaticus. White-spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus
xanthopygos, Southern Grey Shrike Lanins meridionalis and Indian
Silverbill Lonchura malabarica are usually very obvious and
fledged young are often evident. The following short account will
concentrate specifically on the more interesting breeders but a visit

in March will also allow a sampling of both migrant species passing
through on their way north (Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus. Pied
Wheatear O. pleschanka and Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush Monticola
saxatilis being especially characteristic) and lingering wintering
visitors. Interesting and widespread examples of the latter include
Red-tailed Wheatear O. chrysopygia , Blue Rock Thrush M.
solitarius and Plain Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus neglectus.

Raptors are generally scarce and, in recent years, have become rarer.
This may be due to increased accessibility to formerly remote areas,
and consequent disturbance. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus is
an exception; otherwise the only regular breeder is Bonelli's Eagle
Hieraaetus fasciatus which is widespread but scarce. Short-toed
Eagle Circaetus gallicus was confirmed breeding in 1997 and
irregular sightings suggest it may still cling on. Disappointingly,
vultures remain very rare; Egyptian Neophron percnopterus and
Lappet-faced Torgos tracheliotos are still observed in the Hatta area
occasionally but such records doubtlessly involve wandering
individuals from adjacent Omani populations.

Gamebirds such as Chukar Alectoris chukar and Sand Partridge
Ammoperdix heyi both occur and a good view of either will often be
a highlight of a morning's birding. The former is predominately in
the northern parts of the Hajar range; abundant in Musandam it is
also common higher up in Wadi Bih, where it was well
photographed with chicks in 2010 (page 3). It also occurs, albeit
very locally, inland from Dibba. Sand Partridge is much more
widespread and easier to find, particularly once its distinctive
'whipping' call is known. Observations on chicks and a nesting site
of this species in the area have been recently documented in Phoenix
26: 10.

Chestnut-bellied Pterocles exustus and Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse P.
lichtensteinii both occur. The former is local on wide, stony plains
at lower elevations and is often hard to find, apart from sites such
as Wamm Farms, where morning drinking at irrigation taps is a daily
occurrence. In contrast, Lichtenstein's is widespread and presumably
numerous throughout in narrower wadis and steep-sided canyons.
Due to its cryptic nature it is often impossible to find during the day
but dusk flights may reveal this species anywhere.

Four species of owls breed in the UAE and three occur in the Hajar
range. Little Owl Athene noctua is the most likely to be seen,
although the secretive Pallid Scops Owl Otus brucei may be equally
widespread. There are few recent records of the latter although it
presumably still breeds on the flat Acacia plains inland from Dibba
and Kalba, as well as higher into the hills. Desert Eagle Owl Bubo
asca/aphus is surprisingly rarely observed, seeming to prefer
outcrops and Ghaf woodlands on the adjacent sandy plains west of
the mountains.

Amongst near-passerines. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater M. persicus is a
local summer breeder to the Kalba area. In June and July family
parties may be found in small, low elevation wadis just inland from
Kalba. The furnace-like conditions force such groups to concentrate
over small permanent springs and views are then often memorable.
Both Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis and Eurasian Hoopoe
Upupa epops breed thinly throughout, with both at higher densities
in the larger plantations and suburban areas of the east coast, and on
the northern plains around Ras al Khaimah.

Of the passerines the only breeding hirundine is the Pale Crag
Martin Ptyonoprogne obsoleta, but Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis
daurica attempted to breed from 1997-9 in the Masafi area. The
martin is widespread, although rarely numerous. It will readily
utilize bridges and buildings and, like many resident species, fledged
juveniles are often evident early in spring, so avoiding the worst of

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 19

the summer heat. The Long-billed Pipit is a surprisingly scarce and
local breeding bird. The Masafi - Dibba area is the best area to find
one, but even here some legwork may be required and birds are
inconspicuous on steep, boulder slopes unless display-flighting.
Relatively little seems to be known about the breeding ecology of
this species in the UAE, although food-carrying birds have been
observed in late April in Musandam. One of the most sought-after
birds by visiting birdwatchers is the Scrub Warbler Scotocerca
inquieta. It is widespread throughout the mountains but seems
markedly commoner in the northern hills, especially between Dibba
and Masafi and further north. A two-day trek in March 2010 near
Dibba produced 12 birds, including a family party of begging
juveniles. Although commonest at middle and higher altitudes, it has
also been recently observed, alongside Long-billed Pipit, almost at
sea level, north of Khor Fakkan. Visiting breeders include the
Yellow-throated Sparrow Gymnoris xanthocollis and Pale Rockfinch
Carpospiza brachydactyla. Both are spring arrivals in the UAE,
although the former also summers regularly. It is generally scarce
and hard to find in the Hajar range, although in recent years a
drinking pool on the Huwalyat Road has proved to be a regular site.
In contrast, Pale Rock Finch may be temporarily abundant in some
years, generally in early March. Flocks often pause for a few days or
more and sing frequently before departing. Masafi is a good site to
look for this species but the few confirmed breeding records have
been further south, inland from Fujairah and near Hatta. Breeding
has not been confirmed since 1993, so clearly this species is
decidedly erratic and opportunistic. The T rumpeter Finch Bucanetes
githagineus is one of hardest species in the UAE to pin down. Birds
are occasionally recorded from sites such as Masafi and Huwaylat,
and seem to be frequent, sometimes numerous, in Musandam.
However, the only regular site recently has been Wadi Bih where
favoured drinking pools have been attended during several recent
springs. Birds are often obviously paired here, and regularly
displaying. Breeding was finally confirmed nearby in May 2008
when adults were observed feeding young.

One of the rarer species, the Hooded Wheatear O. monacha, is
surprisingly hard to find even as a non-breeding wanderer in the
Hajar range. There is a small population on the outlying limestone
massif of Jebal Hafit, but this species is not known to breed
anywhere else in the UAE. There are the occasional summer records
of Crested Honey-Buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus although breeding is
hardly a possibility for a species that requires mature forest.
Upcher's Warbler Hippolais languida is a more likely suspect for
irregular breeding; birds have been heard singing on spring passage
and a worn adult was observed in July 2009 but this was presumably
nothing more than a failed breeder returning early. Turkestan Shrike
L. phoenicuroides might be expected to breed, at least erratically,
but there are very few mid-summer records of this species, the most
recent being a male at Masafi in June 2010. Finally, and most
recently, Bay-backed Shrike L. vittatus was a spectacular, if not
totally unexpected, addition to the list of UAE breeders when an
adult and two recently fledged juveniles were located in the northern
parts of the range in June 2010. This record followed three passage
birds located in March and April 20 1 0 (the first since 2006). These
records followed an especially wet winter. It is the second breeding
record for Arabia, the first coming from Musandam in April 2004,
also after a very wet winter.

Suggested further reading titles are Breeding Birds of the United
Arab Emirates by Simon Aspinall (2010) and The Emirates: A
Natural History , edited by Peter Hellyer and Simon Aspinall (2005)
provides more general information on the Hajar mountains,
including a review of local geology and other aspects of the area's
natural history. Finally, thanks to Tommy Pedersen, a wealth of
UAE bird-related information and detailed information on all sites
mentioned herein is freely available at www.uaebirding.com.

Acknowledgments I would like to express thanks to Steve James and
Tommy Pedersen, both of whom commented extensively to improve
a first draft of this article.

Oscar Campbell, P O Box 4001, Abu Dhabi , UAE,
(ojcampbell25@yahoo.com).

A Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis was recorded on Sabuniya island (TA02), off
Socotra, 29 October 2009 (Niklas Holmstrom). The first record from the island.

The status of coastal wetlands in Ras A1
Khaimah, UAE

By Robert Llewellyn-Smith

Ras A! Khaimah, the most northerly of the Emirates, contains a
coastline which stretches for 63 km along the Arabian Gulf. It
contains four prominent coastal wetlands. From north to south these
are Khor Hulaylah (WA28), the adjoining Julfar lagoon, Khor Ras
al Khaimah (VB28), and Khor Muzahmi. The rapid economic
development, from 2003 to 2008, has left its mark, with
development projects reducing the size and ecological value of each
of these wetlands.

Khor Hulaylah’s northern outlet to the sea at Khor Khawr has been
cut off and substantially altered by the creation of an industrial park
and gas works. Further reclamation of mudflats and mangroves for
housing projects has affected the eastern zone. However, despite
these changes, an area of approximately 7 km2 still remains,
comprising a winding creek, with sea grass beds, intertidal mudflats
and mangroves. The island of Hulaylah forms a protective barrier on
the seaward side of the creek. This ancient depositional feature
contains archaeological evidence ofsettlementdatingbackto the 8th
Century.

The wetland is strategically important as it is the first, and vital
stopover feeding area along the Gulf Coast for long distance
migrants heading south each autumn. It supports a population of up
to 300 Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus throughout the
year. Other common birds include Western Reef Heron Egretta
gularis, Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. Striated Heron Butorides
striatus, Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula. Greater Sand Plover
C. leschenaultii, Kentish Plover C. alexandrinus, Greenshank
Tringa nebularia, Socotra Cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis,
Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis, Black-winged Stilt
Himantopus himantopus and Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis.
Marsh Harriers Circus aeruginosus can often be seen hunting low
over the mangroves. Crab Plovers Dromas ardeola are common in
autumn and winter months when Spoonbills Platalea alba have also

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 20

been observed, which are not usually evident at the other three
wetlands. Occasional winter sightings have been made of Great
Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga. Sykes’s Warbler Hippolais rama
which is now restricted to mangroves on the UAE east coast and the
Batinah of Oman, was once collected in the mangroves here but no
trace of the species was found during a search in 2006.

Adjoining Khor Hulaylah at its southern end is Julfar lagoon, which
in turn extends south for 6 km towards Ras al Khaimah City. It
contains small pockets of mangrove, with some areas of intertidal
mudflats. Flamingos are occasionally seen as individuals or in small
groups. Terns, plovers and herons are all common. The economic
slowdown awarded the lagoon and outer sand bar a reprieve in late
2008. as most of the area was earmarked for a major leisure and
residential project.

A few kilometres further south is Khor Ras Al Khaimah which lies
in the heart of the city. Despite various development modifications,
including a golf course, it still contains a core area of 3.9 km2,
comprising 2.3knr of dense mangroves. These are interspersed with
channels and some areas of inter-tidal mudflats. Flamingos are
occasionally seen as individuals or in small groups. Western Reef
Heron, Curlew Numenius arquata and W imbrel N. phaeopus appear
especially numerous as well as many other waders.

The last wetland is Khor Muzahmi, also referred to as Al Jazeera
Khor, or Khor Qurm. A major residential and leisure project has
reduced the wetland from 7 km2 in 2003, to its current size of 3 km2.
Thankfully, this remaining portion retains the most interesting
features of the wetland, namely the main entrance/exit to the sea; a
2.7 km long sand bar; an extensive area of shallow intertidal
mudflats and channels; two small islands with pockets of mangroves;
and fringing mangrove on the landward side. High (20 m) sand
dunes overlook the wetland, offering fantastic views. The dunes are
covered with mature ghaf trees, acacia and other dune scrub
vegetation, which offer suitable habitat for migrant passerines and
an interesting selection of local residents. Flamingo numbers can
reach 600 during August. Tens of thousands of Socotra Cormorant
have been observed during August, gathering on the outer sand bar.

Khor Muzahmi is the only wetland receiving formal protection,
owned by the real estate company developing the area to its south.
Called the Mina Al Arab Environmental Preserve, the intention is to
keep it as a nature reserve. However, future pressures are likely to
come from private residential developments on the sand dunes, and
development activity immediately to the north.

Khor Muzahmi and Khor Hulaylah are described in more detail in
the Directory of Wetlands in the Middle East (Scott 1995), and
Richardson and Aspinall (1998). Khor Muzahmi is listed as an
Important Bird Area (Evans, 1994). Despite the changes described
here, a total approximate area of 1 5 km2 of environmentally valuable
wetlands remain. Their economic, social and natural value is typical
of wetlands around the world - as fish nursery and breeding grounds,
feeding stopovers for birds on migration, high biodiversity levels,
carbon sequestration properties of mangroves and huge potential for
education, recreation and research.

Awareness of the importance and potential of these sites is steadily
increasing, and the local environment authority is working to
promote their conservation. However, until there is complete
commitment for protection at local and national level, along with the
necessary monitoring and management, their future will remain in
doubt.

References: • Evans, M.l. 1994. Important Bird Areas of the
Middle East. Birdlife. Birdlife International. Cambridge, UK.

• Scott. D. A. 1995/4 Directory of Wetlands in the Middle East. Gland,
Switzerland: IUCN and Slimbridge. # Richardson, C.T. & S. J.
Aspinall. 1998. The Shed Bird Watching Guide to the United Arab
Emirates. Dubai: Hobby Publications.

Robert Llewellyn-Sm ith, 32 P inewoods, Church Aston. Newport,
Shropshire, TFI0 9LN, (rllewellynsmith@yahoo.co.uk).

Shaybah oilfield, Saudi Arabia: ABBA
Survey 41

The Shaybah oilfield lies in the extreme eastern part of Saudi Arabia
in the angle of the borders with the UAE and Oman. It is a region of
high but generally stable dunes interspersed by sabkha plains. There
have been oil installations in this region for about 30 years. 1 visited
the region from 24 May to 1 June 2010.

As a measure of the remoteness and aridity of the region only seven
species of indigenous plants were found in the oilfield, Cyperus
conglomeratus , Cormdaca arabica , Calligonum crinitum ,
Zygophyllum mandavillei, Tribulus arabicus were all common and
widespread on the dunes and around sabkhas and Phragmites
australis was noted on wet ground, mainly near human sites. In
addition Dipterygium glaucum was found at two sites. There were
a number of exotics noticed around buildings and living quarters
including planted date palms Phoenix dactylifera and exotic palms,
shrubs used as windbreaks and hedges and at least two species of
grass. (There were no indigenous grasses in the Shaybah area).

Birds species present fitted into three categories; indigenous
residents, human commensal breeding species and migrants. Of the
1 2 potentially breeding species occurring in the area only three were
indigenous, that is they occurred as resident breeding birds in the
region before the oilfield was established. The other nine were
species that breed or potentially breed in the area because of human
sites in the oilfield and human altered habitats. Because ofthe timing
of the survey in May/June it is likely that all the species breeding in
this part of the Rub al Khali were present and recorded. The three
indigenous species were Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus ,
Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis and Greater Hoopoe Lark
Alaemon alaudipes. However it is expected that at least part of each
of these species' populations will leave the region in mid to late
summer. Conversely the human commensal species are almost
certainly all permanent residents in the oilfield, except for the two
likely breeding summer visitors, Eurasian Turtle Dove Streptopelia
turtur and Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas galactotes. The
human commensal species include some interesting additions to the
previously known avifauna of this part of the Rub al Khali. The
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus was confirmed to breed,
this is an extension to the known range of that species, also the
Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus, whose presence as pairs in
late May is highly indicative of breeding at the site this year, or in
the near future. This species has spread westwards in the UAE in
recent decades and the record at Shaybah could result in a
considerable extension to the Arabian breeding range and the first
breeding record of this species anywhere in Saudi Arabia. Both the
waders were at a waste water site. The Eurasian Turtle Dove is a
breeding summer visitor to eastern Arabia but has not been
previously recorded in this part of the Rub al Khali, pairs and song
were recorded in gardens and bushes near human sites. Both this
dove and the Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin are known from the Liwa
Oasis in nearby UAE. Other breeding species at human sites were
Rock Dove Columba livia, Laughing Dove S. senegalensis, Eurasian
Collared Dove S. decaocto and House Sparrow Passer domesticus.
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus was also present
at the local sewage lagoon and this species might breed

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 21

Clockwise from top left.

Long suspected of breeding in QatartheNightHeron Nycticorax
nycticorax w as finally confirmed to breed at Abu Nakh la lagoons
(RA27) in 2010, page 10. (Photo: John Thompson).

Confirm a tionofPurple Heron Ardea purpurea breeding at Abu
Nakhla lagoons (RA27) Qatar was a surprise for many, but
oversummering birds have indicated likely breeding for some
years, page 10. (Photo: John Thompson).

TheSabkhatalFaslwetland(PA31)nearJubailisthehomefor
numerous wetlands breeding species, this juvenile Little Tern
Sterna albifrons was present with others in early June. (Photo:
Phil Roberts).

White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus bred again in Kuwait
this year. (Photo: Khaled al Ghanem).

The Northern Red Bishop Euplectes franciscanus has been seen
several times in Bahrain this year. The species may now breed
as a full grown juvenile was photographed in November.
(Photo: Adrian Drummond-Hill ).

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 22

another year. In addition to breeding birds a small number of
migrant species were recorded, notably a flock of 13 Red-necked
Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus and a Striated Heron Butorides
striatus. This latter coastal resident is only rarely recorded inland,
indeed this is probably the furthest inland one has been recorded in
Arabia. It has also not previously been recorded anywhere in eastern
Saudi Arabia.

The journey to Shaybah followed a desert track near a pipeline and
for a large part of that route continuous driven fauna and flora
transects were carried out, yielding extremely low numbers of birds
and species diversity (only 10 species of birds over 633 km of
transects). Walked transects on the route there and at Shaybah
underlined the paucity of birds present.

A more detailed report is available to Phoenix subscribers.

Michael Jennings

ABBA and Phoenix Notes and Notices

The Phoenix Articles and information in Phoenix may be freely
reproduced for scientific or non-profit purposes, provided
appropriate acknowledgement is given to authors, the ABBA project
and its sponsors. Views expressed by authors, including the position
of international boundaries on maps or reference to same in the text,
do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or the project sponsors.
Articles in this issue with no author shown are by the Editor. This
newsletter is covered by the Zoological Record prepared by
Thomson Zoological Ltd, Innovation Centre, York Science Park,
Innovation Way, Heslington, York YO10 5DG, UK.

Contributions to Phoenix Phoenix is published annually and
contains papers, reports, correspondence and announcements on all
aspects of Arabian ornithology. Papers are not independently
refereed but every effort is made to ensure that content is
accurate. However the views expressed by authors are not
necessarily shared by the Editor or the sponsors of Phoenix and the
ABBA project. All articles relevant to the ornithology of Arabia and
the Arabian environment are welcomed. Notices of reports and
publications etc and requests for information are included free of
charge. Articles may be emailed, submitted on disk, typed or
handwritten. Charges for commercial advertisements and loose
inserts are available on request.

Records are still needed The ‘first phase’ of the ABBA project is
complete and the Atlas has been published. However the database
will continue to be added to and data will also be available to anyone
who needs information on Arabian birds or the region and Phoenix
will continue to appear each year. Readers who have records of
Arabian birds, however old, and whether published or not, are urged
to make contact with the Coordinator. Old records are still
particularly relevant as they help to throw light on the history of
population changes, range expansions and contractions. Although
the ABBA project primarily concerns resident and breeding species,
it is not only proved breeding information that is required, notes
suggesting possible or probable breeding, particularly uncommon
breeding species, are also valuable. Information on exotics and
escaped species, ringed birds and habitats is also needed. There is
still much scope for collecting breeding bird information even for
common species in well trodden areas. Would observers please
continue to send in records and information for their local area and
remember to copy ABBA report sheets to the local bird recorder (if
there is one). Any outstanding report sheets for 20 1 0 or earlier years
should be sent in as soon as possible. Individuals observers wishing
to send in records to the ABBA project will be sent an email pack

including instructions for contributors, the ABBA record forms, a
list of breeding birds and so on. Apply to the
Arabianbirds@dsl.pipex.com. The ABBA website
(http://dspace.dial.pipex.com /arabian. birds/) which is due to be
updated, also includes these papers.

How to obtain Phoenix One issue of Phoenix is published each
year. It is issued free to all current contributors to the ABBA project
and is also sent to recent correspondents. A bundle of each issue is
also passed to all natural history and similar groups active in Arabia.
It is available on subscription for a single payment of £25
(€3 5/U S$45 ) for the next five issues, i.e. Nos 28-32 inclusive, or by
an annual standing order (Sterling bank accounts). Cheques to be
made payable to ‘ABBA /Phoenix’ or ‘M C Jennings’. Because of
excessive bank charges for handling foreign cheques those not
having access to a UK bank account are asked to pay in Sterling (£),
Euros (€), US$ banknotes, or the equivalent in the currencies of the
Arabian Peninsula. Subscribers will notice that their address label
includes a number which indicates the last number of Phoenix they
have paid for. Would subscribers please send in their new
subscription before their old one runs out to avoid the time and
expense of reminders. Subscribers to Phoenix are also entitled to
receive PDFs of miscellaneous ABB A publications including Survey
reports (e.g. the full report of Survey 42 mentioned above). Free
copies that are sent out to those in Arabia and irregular
correspondents may be discontinued without warning, so to ensure
you get a copy of each issue please think about subscribing. Back
issues of Phoenix (Nos 1-26) are available at £2/€3/US$4 each (or
the whole set for £30/€40/US50) including postage. Those leaving
Arabia might be interested in placing a subscription order as the
price represents a small sum for all the news of Arabian birds for
five years. Will subscribers please remember to advise ofanychange
of address. When ordering Phoenix please advise if you would like
an invoice or a receipt. Phoenix is not available through agents.

Satellite Tagged Egyptian Vulture visits
Sinafir

It is well known that there is a migration of Egyptian Vultures
through Arabia and many also appear to winter in the region but
there has not been a marked individual traced to Arabia until now.
A juvenile, named Spartacus, was fitted with a satellite transmitter
as a nestling in eastern Bulgaria in the summer of 20 1 0. It had its
first flight on 19 August and on 13 September left on its migration
southward, reaching northern Sinai on 28 September. It seems to
have become a little disorientated in southern Sinai and crossed the
Gulf of Aqaba to Tiran Island and then moved on to Sinafir Island'
(both islands mainly in AB32) where it stayed 1-8 October. This is
the first record of an Egyptian Vulture from these islands. Somehow
it decided that this was the wrong place to spend the winter and it
retraced its steps to Sinai and then entered Africa at Suez on 1 1
October. By 18 October it was on its likely wintering grounds in
eastern Chad.

The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds satellite tagged the
bird with support from the RSPB. Thanks to Ivailo Angelov
( ivailoangelov@abv.bg ), who is coordinating research and
conservation ofthe Egyptian Vulture in BSPB, for this information.

' Tiran and Sinafir are Saudi Arabian islands administered by Egypt.

Omani Sooty Falcon juveniles satellite
tagged

The studies of Sooty Falcons Falco concolor in Oman by Mike
McGrady and colleagues (Phoenix 24: 7 & 25:4) have paid offwell

Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 23

this year with the tracking of two juveniles from Fahal island
(YB24), northern Oman to Africa. The surprise is they took
different routes.

Both were hanging around the breeding island into late October and
then the first, a female named Sheba, headed off across the Empty
Quarter and southern Saudi Arabia, echoing the route of the first
satellite tracked Sooty from the UAE in 2008 ( Phoenix 26: 1 7). She
crossed the Red Sea on 3-5 November, making landfall in Sudan and
then spent a few days around the Nile in Sudan before heading off
to Chad where she was on 1 3 November. A male, Sinbad, headed off
in a different direction cutting diagonally across Oman to meet the
Arabian Sea at about the border between Oman and Yemen. He then
flew down the middle of the Gulf of Aden to a landfall at about the
border with Djibouti and Somaliland on 7/8 November. At one point
his progress was tracked over 7 hours to 330 km (average 47 km per
hour). He spent the period to at least 15 November in the Ethiopian
highlands. Follow progress at http://sootyfalconoman.blogspot.com.

There are still a number of questions unanswered on the taxonomy and status
of the various Black Kite Milvus migrans taxa in Arabia (page 2).

Kazakhstan Imperial Eagles in Kuwait

Three Kazakhstan wing-tagged Imperial Eagles Aquila heliaca were
reported this year from Kuwait, mainly from the Sabah Al Ahmad
Natural Reserve but also from the Sulaibiya pivot fields to the south.
The first was seen on 19 October, once two were seen in one day
and others occurred during November. These are the first reports
from Kuwait of wing-tagged Imperials, although the Kazakhstan
studies have previously had returns from Oman, Yemen and Qatar,
which probably transited through or near Kuwait.

The four birds were all ringed as chicks in Kazakhstan; one in 2009
(E39, yellow tag, female) and the others in 2010 (H03, yellow tag,
female and H07, pink tag, male).

Kazakhstan raptor studies are based in the Naurzum area in the north
central part of the country, where no less than 18 species of raptors
breed. The wing-tagging programme also involves White-tailed Sea
Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla and Steppe Eagle A. nipalensis.

Thanks to Khalid Al-Nasrallah, Rashed Al-Hajji, Khaled
Al-Ghanem, Abdulrahman Al-Sirhan and Pekka Fagel for
information from Kuwait and to Evgeny Bragin for notes from the
Kazakhstan end, where he has been studying birds in the Naurzum
area since 1 979.

ABBA Reports A PDF copy of the full report and Arabic summary of ABBA
Survey 42 (page 6) which includes a description of the habitats and geography of the
region, photos of census sites, the results of censuses and a systematic list of birds
observed is available free to Phoenix subscribers. (Arabianbirds@dsl.pipex.com).

Credits: Photos are credited on the page they appear. Many thanks to all the
photographers shown for allowing their work to be reproduced in Phoenix without
charge In each case the photographer retains the copyright to their work and these
pictures may not be reproduced elsewhere without their permission. Artwork in this
issue is by Jan Wilczur (pages 1, 8 & 16 and Dave Showier (pages 6, 9, 17, 20 & 24).
I am most grateful to Khaled Al Ghanem of Kuwait for kindly translating the
contents list into Arabic Carol Qirreh provided indispensable help at all stages in the
preparation of this issue. Printed by Impressions, 93 High Street, Somersham,
Cambridgeshire, PE28 3 EE, UK.

Address: Reports of breeding birds in Arabia and all correspondence concerning the
Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia and The Phoenix, should be sent to: Michael
Jennings, ABBA Coordinator, Warners Farm House, Warners Drove, Somersham,
Cambridgeshire, PE28 3WD, UK. Telephone, 01487 84 173 3 /International 00 44
1487 841733 (Arabianbirds@dsl.pipex com)

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Phoenix 27 (2011): Page 24